IRA says only Blair can resolve arms issue

The IRA says only the direct involvement of the British Prime Minister can resolve the impasse over decommissioning. In its New Year message, the IRA accuses the British Government of failing to meet the challenges of the peace process.

In its traditional New Year statement, the group says its leadership has taken a number of unprecedented initiatives. But, the British Government, it says, has failed to seize the opportunity created by them. The IRA also repeats its commitment to achieving a united Ireland and says it is determined to resolve the impasse over decommissioning, but that this will not happen unless Tony Blair takes political responsibility. The IRA message then, in effect, accuses Northern Secretary Peter Mandelson of being incapable of breaking the stalemate.