Blair hails IRA disarmament

Today’s statement on the decommissioning of IRA arms has been warmly welcomed by Tony Blair.

Mr Blair said in a statement: “This is an important development in the peace process and one we have all been waiting for, for a long time.

“I particularly welcome General de Chastelain’s confirmation that IRA decommissioning is complete and that the amount of arms and material decommissioned by the IRA is consistent with the assessments provided by the security services of the two governments last year.

“Successive British governments have sought final and complete decommissioning by the IRA for over 10 years. Failure to deliver it had become a major impediment to moving forward the peace process.

“Today it is finally accomplished. And we have made an important step in the transition from conflict to peace in Northern Ireland.

“If the IMC confirm that all other activity has ceased, then that transition, as far as the IRA are concerned, will be complete.”

Mr Blair added: “While recognising the great significance of today’s announcement, we must always be mindful of the victims of violence whose families continue to live with their pain.

“The true importance of today is that these weapons can never again be used to inflict suffering and create more victims.

“The involvement of representatives of the Protestant and Catholic faiths as independent witnesses in the process is new and significant and should give added confidence to both communities that IRA decommissioning is both complete and permanent.”