Powell designates CIRA as terrorist group

US Secretary of State Colin Powell has designated the Continuity IRA as a foreign terrorist organisation.

This makes it illegal for people in the United States to provide material support to the Continuity IRA, which is opposed to the 1997 ceasefire signed by the IRA.

The designation requires US financial institutions to block the group’s assets and provides a basis for denial of visas to its members.

A statement by State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the Continuity IRA had carried out terrorist bombings and shootings, primarily in Belfast and the border areas of Northern Ireland.

He added that the Continuity IRA was attempting to thwart the peaceful resolution of the Northern Ireland conflict.