IRA distances itself from criminal activities of ‘former members’

THE Provisional IRA yesterday distanced itself from the hijacking of a vodka truck saying it had “no responsibility” for former members who had embraced criminal activity.

In its traditional Easter statement, the paramilitary group yesterday disowned what it described as the tiny number of former republicans involved in crime for self-gain.

“We repudiate this activity and denounce those involved,” it said. “The IRA remains committed to the peace process. Our decisions and actions of last July and September are proof of that.”

The statement, published in this week’s edition of Sinn Féin’s weekly newspaper, An Phoblacht, is signed ‘P O’Neill’, which signifies that it has the organisation’s imprimatur.

The unambiguous denunciation of those involved in criminal activity - and the identification of those involved as former members - had been interpreted as a clear denial by the Provisional movement that it had either sanctioned or was involved in recent crimes.

Turning to the present difficulties in the peace process, the IRA called on the British and Irish Governments to press ahead with implementing the Good Friday Agreement.

The statement said the Government - in particular - had a duty to see beyond the current phase of the process so that the conditions could be created for a united Ireland.

“Its responsibility is to promote an end to partition,” the statement said. “We know that many republicans are frustrated and angry at the positions taken up by the two governments over the last year,” the message read.

“However, in our view, the will of the people is to see advances in the political process,” continued the statement, issued by the Irish Republican Publicity Bureau.

Meanwhile, the loyalist Ulster Volunteer Force yesterday hinted that it will make no decision on decommissioning its weapons or ending its campaign of violence until November.

The loyalist paramilitary group, in an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, said it would await the outcome of the next phase of talks on restoring a power-sharing executive, due to end on November 24, before making a definitive decision.

An unnamed UVF spokesman, wearing a balaclava, also told the newspaper that it would prefer an internal settlement.

He also indicated opposition to the so-called Plan B option that will be presented by both governments should attempts to revive the Stormont Assembly fail in late June.

The loyalist terror group also expressed remorse for past atrocities, including the 1974 Dublin and Monaghan bombings that killed 33.