Menu
22/02/2006
DUP claims 'cover-up' over IRA decommissioning
The DUP have today alleged that head of the decommissioning body, General John de Chastelain, along with the British government, have engaged in a cover-up over IRA decommissioning.
The claims were made following a meeting with the DUP leader, the Reverend Ian Paisley, and General de Chastelain earlier today.
Dr Paisley called on the security forces to provide more information on reports that some IRA members kept weapons following the disarmament of weapons last September, however he later said that it was apparent that no details would be published until all paramilitary organisations completely decommissioned.
He said: "They should tell the people what they know so that the people can be forearmed to meet what is going to happen; because those arms are going to be used against the Protestant population of Northern Ireland."
Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness today said that the DUP must stop searching for reasons to get out of power sharing.
Mr McGuinness said: "The IRA have dealt decisively with that issue and the DUP know this. What this meeting is about is part of the DUP search for excuses not to engage."
The Independent Monitoring Commission's report, which was released in January, revealed that the organisation was still gathering intelligence, and some of its members were still involved in organised crime.
The report also claimed that some of the members had retained weaponry, however General de Chastelain said that there had been no evidence to back this up.
The IRA has denied claims that it deliberately held back weapons.
(EF/SP)
The claims were made following a meeting with the DUP leader, the Reverend Ian Paisley, and General de Chastelain earlier today.
Dr Paisley called on the security forces to provide more information on reports that some IRA members kept weapons following the disarmament of weapons last September, however he later said that it was apparent that no details would be published until all paramilitary organisations completely decommissioned.
He said: "They should tell the people what they know so that the people can be forearmed to meet what is going to happen; because those arms are going to be used against the Protestant population of Northern Ireland."
Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness today said that the DUP must stop searching for reasons to get out of power sharing.
Mr McGuinness said: "The IRA have dealt decisively with that issue and the DUP know this. What this meeting is about is part of the DUP search for excuses not to engage."
The Independent Monitoring Commission's report, which was released in January, revealed that the organisation was still gathering intelligence, and some of its members were still involved in organised crime.
The report also claimed that some of the members had retained weaponry, however General de Chastelain said that there had been no evidence to back this up.
The IRA has denied claims that it deliberately held back weapons.
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 November 2024
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
Attempted Carjacking In West Belfast
Police are investigating an attempted carjacking in west Belfast on Tuesday, November 19th. At around 5:30pm, a man entered a parked car at Hillhead Court and attempted to steal it. A woman passenger was assaulted when she resisted the man's demands. The suspect, described as a man in his 20s wearing all black, fled the scene on foot.
21 October 2003
IRA confirms third act of decommissioning
The IRA looks set to decommission more of its weapons after it confirmed it had "authorised a further act of putting arms beyond use".
IRA confirms third act of decommissioning
The IRA looks set to decommission more of its weapons after it confirmed it had "authorised a further act of putting arms beyond use".
26 September 2005
IRA weapons put beyond use – de Chastelain
The IRA has put all of its weapons beyond use, the head of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) has said today. General John de Chastelain confirmed the news during a press conference on Monday where said that he was "satisfied that the arms decommissioned represent the totality of the IRA's arsenal".
IRA weapons put beyond use – de Chastelain
The IRA has put all of its weapons beyond use, the head of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) has said today. General John de Chastelain confirmed the news during a press conference on Monday where said that he was "satisfied that the arms decommissioned represent the totality of the IRA's arsenal".
26 October 2001
UUP release “evidence” from meeting with de Chastelain
In response to sustained attacks from the DUP, the UUP have released a transcript of their meeting with head of decommissioning body General John de Chastelain outlining details of IRA’s “actual decommissioning”.
UUP release “evidence” from meeting with de Chastelain
In response to sustained attacks from the DUP, the UUP have released a transcript of their meeting with head of decommissioning body General John de Chastelain outlining details of IRA’s “actual decommissioning”.
29 November 2004
Historic meeting between Adams and Orde is 'useful'
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has described the first ever face-to-face meeting between the Sinn Féin leadership and the Chief Constable of the Police Service for Northern Ireland as "useful".
Historic meeting between Adams and Orde is 'useful'
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams has described the first ever face-to-face meeting between the Sinn Féin leadership and the Chief Constable of the Police Service for Northern Ireland as "useful".
-
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.
