UFF to appoint representative to decommissioning panel

The Loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Freedom Fighters, has announced that it is to appoint representatives to the international panel on decommissioning chaired by General John de Chastelain. They said that they were taking this step after what they call careful consideration and widespread consultation with volunteers.

However, the UFF said that disarmament would only be considered in the context of the IRA having already begun to decommission its arsenal. Last week, the IRA announced that it had nominated a representative to liase with the Commission with a view to the disposal of paramilitary weapons.

John White of the Ulster Democratic Party, the UFF's political wing, said the decision, which followed a two-week review by the organisation and his party, was a crucial step forward in the peace process. It is understood Mr White, Johnny 'Mad Dog' Adair and William Winkie Dowds will be part of the UFF delegation to meet the general.

The full statement said: After careful consideration and widespread consultation with volunteers we, the leadership of the Ulster Freedom Fighters, have decided to appoint representatives to liaise directly on our behalf with General John de Chastelain and his colleagues on the independent International Commission on Decommissioning.

We remain committed to playing our part in the search for a peaceful and democratic resolution of the conflict and view this decision as enhancing the prospects for attain that goal.

However, it should be noted that on the fundamental question of physical disarmament the position of the Ulster Freedom Fighters remains as previously publicly stated. Disarmament will only be considered in the context of the IRA having already began to decommission its arsenal of weaponry.

Jeffrey Donaldson, Ulster Unionist MP, welcomed the UFF statement. But he said the onus was on the IRA to fulfil its commitments and lead the vital process of decommissioning.UUP deputy leader John Taylor said he was pleased by the move, which was a further step forward towards decommissioning.