Statement by Republican Sinn Fein

national | miscellaneous | news report Monday July 29, 2002 10:47 by sassanachamach

Cork Visit by British Navy

The increasing use of the sea around Cobh by British Navy war ships for crew training exercises has been criticised by the Cork cumann of Republican Sinn Féin.

25 July 2002
Statement by Republican Sinn Féin

Cork Visit by British Navy

The increasing use of the sea around Cobh by British Navy war ships for crew training exercises has been criticised by the Cork cumann of Republican Sinn Féin.

Vice-president Des Long addressing the Munster Executive of the organisation today (July 24) said that coupled with American military
aircraft training over Shannon Airport, the actions of the British Navy represents yet another encroachment on Irish neutrality.

"The latest British war ship to dock in Cobh was the "Argus" from 702 Lynx Training Squadron," said Mr. Long. "It was accorded a Mayoral
Reception in the port which was also attended by officials from the British Embassy in Dublin.

"The increasing use of Irish waters and air space by foreign military and naval forces must be a matter of public discussion and debate especially in view of the fight to protect Irish neutrality.

"What we are seeing here is a gradual softening up process in advance of the re-run of the NICE Treaty," said Mr. Long. "These air and sea
exercises by the Americans and the British are the thin edge of the wedge — we have protested against these so called training exercises
before — yet the 26 County Administration fails to safeguard Irish neutrality by refusing permission for these displays of military and
naval force. We in Republican Sinn Féin are now calling for a ban on all foreign military and naval forces conducting any exercises in Irish
waters or air space."