UDA orders halt to violence
Loyalist paramilitary chiefs tonight ordered an end to the violence sweeping across parts of the North.
As Northern Secretary Peter Hain prepared to bow to pressure and declare an end to the Ulster Volunteer Force’s so-called ceasefire, another organisation which orchestrated the trouble demanded a halt.
The Ulster Defence Association in north Belfast, one of the areas worst scarred by three nights of rioting, insisted its men should stay calm – no matter what the provocation.
A statement said: “We are instructing our own membership to avoid any confrontation on the streets and steer away from any acts of violence.”
At least 60 police officers have been injured amid the mayhem in Belfast and surrounding towns and villages.
Bus operator Translink cancelled tonight’s services to north and east Belfast, and Bangor and Newtownards, Co Down, due to concerns for passenger safety.
Police hunting the gunmen and bombers who attacked officers and soldiers when a re-routed Orange Order parade descended into chaos on Saturday disclosed they have made 63 arrests so far.
One of those appeared in court today accused of possessing seven guns, home-made explosive material and terrorist clothing.
As well as causing millions of pounds worth of damage, the North’s business and tourist experts fear the level of street disorder could inflict major harm on investment hopes.
It also removed any British government doubts about officially announcing the UVF’s ceasefire, first declared in 1994, is now in tatters.
A dossier of attacks blamed on the organisation, including four murders in a bloody feud with another loyalist faction, has been studied by Mr Hain.
Armed with the Independent Monitoring Commission report, and Chief Constable Hugh Orde’s assessment that its men were heavily involved in the rioting, Mr Hain is expected to confirm tomorrow that he has specified the UVF.
He will also spell out any consequences for an organisation bereft of significant levels of elected political representatives.
This may include warning its members, many of whom were released early from jail after the April 1998 Good Friday Agreement, of the prison sentences that await for any new crimes.
David Ervine, leader of the UVF-aligned Progressive Unionist Party, said the government move came as no surprise but was still saddening.
The developments within loyalism came amid growing speculation that John de Chastelain, head of the international decommissioning team, is close to witnessing major IRA disarmament.
The former Canadian general, who has returned to Ireland, will oversee the weapons destruction expected since the Provisional IRA announced an end to its armed campaign in July.
A spokesman for Gen de Chastelain refused to reveal any details about his current movements.
“We have stopped commenting on his whereabouts for obvious reasons,” he said.
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams will be quizzed about any imminent IRA moves during talks with political representatives in America later this week.
Back in the North, his number two, Martin McGuinness, will discuss both the loyalist violence and chances of restoring the Stormont power-sharing administration at a meeting with Mr Hain at Hillsborough Castle, Co Down, on Wednesday.
Today’s UDA statement is highly significant, coming amid demands by police chiefs, government ministers, and nationalist politicians, for better unionist leadership.
The organisation called on politicians to use their influence to help restore order.
The statement, issued through its political advisers, insisted they should be calm – no matter what the provocation.
It added: “No longer can we or will we let these types of situations destroy our own communities as it seems the community is the only sufferer in this conflict.”
