Ken Maginnis, Statement is not as hard line as previous ones
IRA statement offers no concessions
Statement issued today through An Phoblacht
Ken Maginnis of the Ulster Unionists and the North's Deputy First Minister, Seamus Mallon, have said they have noted that today's IRA statement does not explicitly rule out decommissioning. The statement expressed support for efforts to find a political solution in the North, but did not make a commitment to decommissioning. Ken Maginnis said the statement was not as hard line as previous ones, while Seamus Mallon said there was no outright rejection of decommissioning. Mr Mallon also said there were sufficient straws in the wind for further progress at the Hillsborough talks this afternoon.
The statement, issued by the IRA today, expresses support for efforts to find a political solution in the North, but makes no commitment to weapons decommissioning. Earlier, Ulster Unionists attending the talks at Hillsborough in County Down described the statement as "unhelpful". But predictions that it would lead to the immediate adjournment of the discussions have proved incorrect. Although the IRA made no mention of decommissioning, it did say it wanted to see as permanent peace in Ireland.
This is the full text of the statement issued by the IRA to an Phobhlacht/Republican news this morning:
"The leader of Oglaigh na hEireann extends fraternal greetings to republican activists. On this the 83rd anniversary of the Easter rising we commemorate all those who have given their lives for Irish Freedom. Without their efforts and sacrifice the current opportunity for a just resolution to the conflict would not exist. We affirm our commitment to our objectives a united and independent Ireland, the IRA wants to see permanent peace in this country. We wholeheartedly support the efforts to secure a lasting resolution to the conflict. In our view the conflict is caused by British involvement in Irish affairs and the injustices perpetuated by unionist misrule since partition over 75 years ago."
"Over the past five years, we have called and maintained two prolonged cessations of military operations to enhance the democratic process and underline our definitive commitment to its success. We have contributed in a real and meaningful way to the creation of a climate, which would facilitate the search for a durable peace settlement. IRA guns are silent."
"Previously we described the Good Friday Agreement as a significant development and have waited patiently for evidence of its potential to deliver tangible progress. For the past 12 months progress towards its implementation has been blocked. The ongoing year long siege of the nationalist community of Portadown, escalated loyalist attacks at critical points over the last year and continuing evidence of collusion are indicators of opposition to a democratic peace settlement. The opposition must be overcome."
"The potential of the peace process to deliver real and lasting peace lies in its ability to bring meaningful change, to remove the injustices which created the conflict and to end the conflict itself. If the political will exists, the peace process contains the potential to resolve the conflict and deliver a durable peace. Injustices which are direct consequences of the conflict must also be addressed. Towards this end we announced earlier this week, the outcome of our investigation into the location of the burial site of a number of people executed by Oglaigh na hEireann more than 20 years ago. This was a sincere attempt to do all within our power to rectify an injustice for which we accept full responsibility. The challenge for everyone, but particularly the British government, remains the removal of the causes of conflict in our country."
