IRA statement

Excerpts from IRA statement to Irish and British governments on April 13

“The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann (IRA) takes this opportunity to give our view of the current phase of the peace process. In particular we want to address unionist concerns.

The political responsibility for advancing the current situation rests with the two governments, especially the British government and the leaderships of the political parties.

Accordingly the IRA leadership have assessed commitments from the two governments and the UUP. Although the Irish Republican Army is not a party to the Good Friday Agreement we are disappointed that the Agreement has not been implemented.

Oglaigh na hEireann supports the peace process. We want it to work. We affirm that our cessation is intact. We are resolved the see the complete and final closure of this conflict.

The IRA leadership is determined to ensure that our activities, disciplines and strategies will be consistent with this.

Furthermore, the full and irreversible implementation of the Agreement and other commitments will provide a context in which the IRA can proceed to definitively set aside arms to further our political objectives.

When there is such a context this decision can be taken only by a General Army Convention representing all volunteers.

We have authorised our representative to meet with the IICD (Independent International Commission on Decommissioning) with a view to proceeding with the implementation of a process to put arms beyond use at the earliest opportunity.

The IRA is committed to supporting every effort to make conflict a thing of the past.

TP O’Neill, Irish Republican Publicity Bureau.”