IRA raises hope of peace deal boost

HOPES were raised last night of a breakthrough in the stalled Northern Ireland peace process, when the IRA outlined its future intentions to the Irish and British Governments.

In a statement given to the Governments, the IRA set out its position on the peace process, its ceasefire and its approach to a third act of decommissioning.

The governments are considering the statement which is believed to go further than the deal on offer last week and offers the greater clarity sought by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

In a separate release to the media signed again by P O’Neill, the IRA confirmed it had closed on a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to the peace process and its desire to see it succeed.

The paper given to the governments is believed to harden proposals put forward previously and promises a major act of weapons decommissioning in the near future.

It is believed that it outlines the IRA’s internal constitutional issues and says the vehicle for disposing of arms has to be General John de Chastelain’s commission.

The Taoiseach and the Prime Minister cancelled the publication of their joint declarations to kick-start the Good Friday Agreement last Thursday, because the proposed IRA reaction was not strong or clear enough.

The IRA statement places the ball firmly in the court of Bertie Ahern and Tony Blair who must now decide if it goes far enough and if they want to meet with pro-agreement parties.

The IRA statement comes after a weekend of negotiations, including meetings with Sinn Féin leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness.

After the governments’ decision to withhold their blueprint for restoring devolution, Sinn Féin and the IRA had been under pressure to announce a more open act of disarmament and plans to bring an end to paramilitary activities.

The IRA statement said: “We shared concepts and draft elements on these matters with others and now, following an internal consultation, we have closed on a statement which will be passed onto the two governments. We stand ready to issue it in due course.”

Sinn Féin’s Lord Mayor of Belfast Alex Maskey welcomed the IRA statement last night Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness had acted as a conduit for the two governments with the IRA, he said.

“The onus is now on the two governments to publish their joint declaration. Sinn Féin would like to see all statements issued,” Mr Maskey said.