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28/07/2005
IRA statement in full...
Unusually the following IRA statement was read out by by a former IRA prisoner, and apparently was not signed "P. O'Neill"...
"The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the
armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm [16.00 BST] this afternoon.
All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms.
All volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely
political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means.
Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.
The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the
IICD to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way
which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly
as possible. We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant
and Catholic churches, to testify to this.
The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal
discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers.
We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation
process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions. We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was
conducted.
The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA
Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy. There is also widespread
concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully
engage in the peace process. This has created real difficulties. The
overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process. They
and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full
implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance
our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united
Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to
end British rule in our country.
It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination
and courage. We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead,
those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican
base. We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate.
We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict. There is a
compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace.
The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been
raised with us. There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is
no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s. There is also a
universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms.
The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and
to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation.
We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere. We areconfident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our
objectives.
Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have
taken and all Óglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders.
There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy
and goodwill which there is for the peace process. This comprehensive series
of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued
endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland."
"The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the
armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm [16.00 BST] this afternoon.
All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms.
All volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely
political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means.
Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.
The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the
IICD to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way
which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly
as possible. We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant
and Catholic churches, to testify to this.
The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal
discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers.
We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation
process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions. We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was
conducted.
The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA
Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy. There is also widespread
concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully
engage in the peace process. This has created real difficulties. The
overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process. They
and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full
implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance
our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united
Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to
end British rule in our country.
It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination
and courage. We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead,
those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican
base. We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate.
We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict. There is a
compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace.
The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been
raised with us. There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is
no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s. There is also a
universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms.
The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and
to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation.
We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere. We areconfident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our
objectives.
Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have
taken and all Óglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders.
There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy
and goodwill which there is for the peace process. This comprehensive series
of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued
endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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28 July 2005
IRA leadership orders end to 'armed struggle'
The IRA has confirmed that it is to end it's armed struggle, in a statement released on Thursday. The leadership of the militant republican organisation said it had instructed all IRA units to dump arms and "assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means".
IRA leadership orders end to 'armed struggle'
The IRA has confirmed that it is to end it's armed struggle, in a statement released on Thursday. The leadership of the militant republican organisation said it had instructed all IRA units to dump arms and "assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means".
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30 April 2003
Adams declares IRA will not 'undermine' peace process
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has today moved to clarify the IRA's intentions, saying that the paramilitary group would not engage in any activities that will "undermine the peace process". His statement was in response to questions posed by Prime Minister Tony Blair last Wednesday demanding clarification on the IRA's position.
Adams declares IRA will not 'undermine' peace process
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14 April 2003
Peace process hinges on IRA response
The British and Irish Governments have asked for the IRA to clarify a number of questions from its latest statement towards the peace process.
Peace process hinges on IRA response
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
