Menu
08/09/2009
Loyalist Decommissioning Move
All ranks of the UDA are committed to decommissioning, which could be completed by spring next year, the body set-up to oversee disarming has said.
The loyalist paramilitary group told the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) it would hand over all its weaponry by February next year.
In a report published today, the IICD said all UVF 'brigades' have now put their guns beyond use.
Cover organisation the Red Hand Commandos has also destroyed its weapons, a move first reported in June.
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has described the news as "hugely significant".
"The end is in sight for the decommissioning process," he said.
A small quantity of UDA armory was decommissioned in June amid concerns of a split within the organisation over the issue.
According to the IICD, there is no difference of opinion over disarming. The decommissioning body said it had met with the five main UDA 'brigades', who all supported progress.
The paramilitary group's leadership told IICD officials its would complete decommissioning within six month, which would coincide with Mr Woodward's February legislative deadline for disarming.
IICD officials also said the UDA's South East Antrim brigade, believed to be a break-away faction, is also committed to handing over its guns within the same time frame.
(PR/GK)
The loyalist paramilitary group told the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) it would hand over all its weaponry by February next year.
In a report published today, the IICD said all UVF 'brigades' have now put their guns beyond use.
Cover organisation the Red Hand Commandos has also destroyed its weapons, a move first reported in June.
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has described the news as "hugely significant".
"The end is in sight for the decommissioning process," he said.
A small quantity of UDA armory was decommissioned in June amid concerns of a split within the organisation over the issue.
According to the IICD, there is no difference of opinion over disarming. The decommissioning body said it had met with the five main UDA 'brigades', who all supported progress.
The paramilitary group's leadership told IICD officials its would complete decommissioning within six month, which would coincide with Mr Woodward's February legislative deadline for disarming.
IICD officials also said the UDA's South East Antrim brigade, believed to be a break-away faction, is also committed to handing over its guns within the same time frame.
(PR/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 October 2004
IMC hand second report to governments
The government has received a second report from the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) into ongoing paramilitary activity. Secretary of State Paul Murphy confirmed that he had received the report and that it would be “placed before parliament as soon as is practicable”.
IMC hand second report to governments
The government has received a second report from the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) into ongoing paramilitary activity. Secretary of State Paul Murphy confirmed that he had received the report and that it would be “placed before parliament as soon as is practicable”.
29 June 2009
UVF Guns, Ammo And Bombs 'Beyond Use'
The haul of weapons decommissioned by the UVF and Red Hand Commandos included guns, ammunition and explosives, it has been revealed. However, independent observers - who described the cache as a "major decommissioning event" - have not said how many weapons were actually given up.
UVF Guns, Ammo And Bombs 'Beyond Use'
The haul of weapons decommissioned by the UVF and Red Hand Commandos included guns, ammunition and explosives, it has been revealed. However, independent observers - who described the cache as a "major decommissioning event" - have not said how many weapons were actually given up.
09 August 2001
IRA statement offers lifeline for failing process
The IRA have dramatically revived hopes of a last minute breakthrough in the peace process by agreeing a method with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) that will see its weapons put arms completely and verifiably beyond use.
IRA statement offers lifeline for failing process
The IRA have dramatically revived hopes of a last minute breakthrough in the peace process by agreeing a method with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) that will see its weapons put arms completely and verifiably beyond use.
01 February 2006
IRA denies holding back weapons
The IRA has denied holding onto arms following the publication of an Independent Monitoring Commission report claiming that not all of its weapons were handed over during the recent decommissioning process.
IRA denies holding back weapons
The IRA has denied holding onto arms following the publication of an Independent Monitoring Commission report claiming that not all of its weapons were handed over during the recent decommissioning process.
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.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
