IRA Statement In Bid To Break Logjam

national | miscellaneous | news report Sunday April 13, 2003 21:15 by Cllr Eoin O'Broin - Sinn Fein eoinobroin at hotmail dot com

Ball now in two governments' court

The following is the text of a BBC web site report on tonights dramatic IRA statement

The IRA says it wants to see the peace process succeedThe IRA has given the British and Irish Governments a statement outlining its position on the peace process and its ceasefire.

The IRA confirmed it had "closed on a statement" which also dealt with its approach to a third act of arms decommissioning.

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and his Irish counterpart, Bertie Ahern had been due to make a joint declaration on the peace process last Thursday.

It was postponed, apparently because an IRA statement in reaction was not strong or clear enough.

On Sunday the IRA reaffirmed its "commitment to this process" and "desire to see it succeed", saying the statement focused on four main issues:
* The current disposition of Oglaigh na hEireann (the Irish Republican Army) and the status of its cessation.

* Its future intentions.
* Its attitude to a re-engagement with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning
* Engagement in a process of putting arms beyond use.

Both governments have received the document, but it is understood they will take a little bit of time to consider it.

BBC correspondent Denis Murray said they will want to assess the IRA position before deciding if they can now publish the joint declaration.
The IRA statement comes after approaches from Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuiness.
Important

A Downing Street spokesman said of the statement: "We are studying it and will respond in due course."

Belfast's Sinn Fein Lord Mayor Alex Maskey welcomed the IRA statement, claiming it was an "important development".

The West Belfast Assembly member confirmed Mr Adams and Mr McGuinness had "acted as a conduit for the two governments with the IRA".

He added: "The onus is now on the two governments to publish their joint declaration.
"Sinn Fein would like to see all statements issued."