Menu
08/04/2002
Second act of decommissioning by IRA welcomed
Northern Ireland First Minister and leader of the Ulster Unionist Party David Trimble has described as "highly significant" the latest act of decommissioning by the IRA.
Mr Trimble welcomed the decommissioning act, saying: "This is plainly both welcome and highly significant. Those who said there would never be any decommissioning were proved wrong last October. Those who said it was a one-off gesture and that hope of a process was just wild optimism have now been proved wrong."
This was the republican terrorist organisation's second act of decommissioning since October 2001.
A statement from the Northern Ireland Office confirmed that the actual amount of arms and explosives put beyond use was "varied but substantial".
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said that the move was evidence of the IRA's "commitment to peace". He then criticised the British government, accusing the "securocrats and bureaucrats" within the establishment for dodging their obligations under the Good Friday Agreement.
The act of decommissioning itself had been widely predicted by security forces and politicians north and south of the border. Many political figures, including Mr Trimble, have said that the second act is designed to bolster the Sinn Féin election campaign in the Republic. Deputy leader of the DUP, Peter Robinson, went further and described the act as "a stunt" and an "insignificant event".
The First Minister said that loyalist paramilitaries should make a similar gesture in order to maintain credibility within the peace process. He said: "There is now an overwhelming moral and political onus on the loyalist paramilitaries to seize the initiative once more and make a start to decommissioning."
Secretary of State Dr John Reid said the IRA's move was welcome and he also urged loyalist paramilitaries to "match the IRA's important action with steps of their own".
The IRA's previous act of decommissioning was confirmed by the IIDC on Tuesday October 23. On that occasion, General John de Chastelain described the event as "significant".
(GMcG)
Mr Trimble welcomed the decommissioning act, saying: "This is plainly both welcome and highly significant. Those who said there would never be any decommissioning were proved wrong last October. Those who said it was a one-off gesture and that hope of a process was just wild optimism have now been proved wrong."
This was the republican terrorist organisation's second act of decommissioning since October 2001.
A statement from the Northern Ireland Office confirmed that the actual amount of arms and explosives put beyond use was "varied but substantial".
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said that the move was evidence of the IRA's "commitment to peace". He then criticised the British government, accusing the "securocrats and bureaucrats" within the establishment for dodging their obligations under the Good Friday Agreement.
The act of decommissioning itself had been widely predicted by security forces and politicians north and south of the border. Many political figures, including Mr Trimble, have said that the second act is designed to bolster the Sinn Féin election campaign in the Republic. Deputy leader of the DUP, Peter Robinson, went further and described the act as "a stunt" and an "insignificant event".
The First Minister said that loyalist paramilitaries should make a similar gesture in order to maintain credibility within the peace process. He said: "There is now an overwhelming moral and political onus on the loyalist paramilitaries to seize the initiative once more and make a start to decommissioning."
Secretary of State Dr John Reid said the IRA's move was welcome and he also urged loyalist paramilitaries to "match the IRA's important action with steps of their own".
The IRA's previous act of decommissioning was confirmed by the IIDC on Tuesday October 23. On that occasion, General John de Chastelain described the event as "significant".
(GMcG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
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".
23 October 2001
IRA move on decommissioning welcomed
The Ulster Unionist Leader David Trimble has announced that he is to recommend to his party the reconstituting of the Northern Ireland executive after the IRA confirmed it had put weapons beyond use.
IRA move on decommissioning welcomed
The Ulster Unionist Leader David Trimble has announced that he is to recommend to his party the reconstituting of the Northern Ireland executive after the IRA confirmed it had put weapons beyond use.
23 October 2001
Trimble accepts commencement of IRA decommissioning
Following the IRA statement on decommissioning made on Tuesday and a meeting with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD), the Ulster Unionists have accepted that the IRA has commenced decommissioning.
Trimble accepts commencement of IRA decommissioning
Following the IRA statement on decommissioning made on Tuesday and a meeting with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD), the Ulster Unionists have accepted that the IRA has commenced decommissioning.
20 February 2003
UDA bomb move 'not an act of decommissioning'
Police last night discovered 18 pipe bombs on playing fields at Somerdale Park in the Crumlin Road area of north Belfast. The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) claimed it left the devices in the playing fields "as part of the ongoing steps to stabilise and normalise loyalist west Belfast".
UDA bomb move 'not an act of decommissioning'
Police last night discovered 18 pipe bombs on playing fields at Somerdale Park in the Crumlin Road area of north Belfast. The Ulster Defence Association (UDA) claimed it left the devices in the playing fields "as part of the ongoing steps to stabilise and normalise loyalist west Belfast".
-
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.
