IRA statement

waz

Any statement is just meaningless words and false promises unless backed up by actions.Recently the guy responsible for the shankil fish shop bombing had his release revoked as it was evident that he was involved in terrorist activities. Today it is reported that his release this morning is a precondition of any statement about to be released? last week they were happy playing terrorist and this week they are happy to go away ?????????????

cornbb

Fair play.

Downtime

Seeing is believing

Hobbes

Genghis wrote:

Hobbes, I know that they said that criminal activites are to stop, but that does not mean that they recognise the PSNI, much less that they support it or Sinn Feins participation on its board.

I am taking it as I am reading it. If the wording is correct they will have to support the PSNI or the words are just that. Words.

Remember the Robert McCartney case? The IRA recognised the illegal nature of the activity of its members but stopped short of directing its members to the nearest PSNI station.

Which shouldn't happen after 4pm.

Kiera

Downtime wrote:

Seeing is believing

I agree ^^^^^^^^^^^^

Mac daddy

Or here

I wonder if it will last.....Hopefully

LegacyUser

FULL TEXT OF STATEMENT

Full text of the IRA statement
Last updated: 28-07-05, 13:05

"The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm this afternoon. All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms.

All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means. Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.

The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the IICD [International Independent Commission on Decommisioning] to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly as possible.

We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this.

The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers.

We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions.

We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was conducted.

The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy.

There is also widespread concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully engage in the peace process. This has created real difficulties.

The overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process. They and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country.

It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination and courage. We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead, those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican base.

We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate. We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict. There is a compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace. The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been raised with us.

There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s. There is also a universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms.

The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation.

We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere. We are confident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our objectives.

Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have taken and all Óglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders.

There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy and goodwill which there is for the peace process. This comprehensive series of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland."

Flukey

Here it is:

The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign.

This will take effect from 4pm this afternoon.

All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms.

All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means.

Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.

The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the IICD to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly as possible.

We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this.

The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers.

We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions.

We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was conducted.

The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy.

There is also widespread concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully engage in the peace process. This has created real difficulties.

The overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process.

They and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland.

We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country.

It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination and courage. We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead, those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican base.

We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate.

We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict. There is a compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace.

The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been raised with us. There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s. There is also a universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms.

The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation.

We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere.

We are confident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our objectives.

Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have taken and all Óglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders.

There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy and goodwill which there is for the peace process.

This comprehensive series of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland."

LegacyUser

FULL TEXT OF STATEMENT

Full text of the IRA statement
Last updated: 28-07-05, 13:05

"The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm this afternoon. All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms.

All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means. Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.

The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the IICD [International Independent Commission on Decommisioning] to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly as possible.

We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this.

The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers.

We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions.

We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was conducted.

The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy.

There is also widespread concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully engage in the peace process. This has created real difficulties.

The overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process. They and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country.

It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination and courage. We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead, those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican base.

We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate. We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict. There is a compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace. The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been raised with us.

There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s. There is also a universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms.

The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation.

We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere. We are confident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our objectives.

Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have taken and all Óglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders.

There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy and goodwill which there is for the peace process. This comprehensive series of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland."

seamus

Merged with thread from AH

Sparky

well someone said to me yesterday, if the islamic terrorist attacked here (for whatever reason i dont know) then the IRA would sort them out.

but as said, seeing is believing, but i noticed last night how another prisoner was let go.

Anyway talking is better than killing IMO

Hobbes

Can someone post the full text of the statement yet?

supersheep

Good to hear. Of course, whether it is as good as it sounds, I don't know, but I have my fingers crossed.

gandalf

Full Statement

The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign.

This will take effect from 4pm [1600 BST] this afternoon.

All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms.

All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means.

Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.

The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy

The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the IICD [Independent International Commission on Decommissioning] to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly as possible.

We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this.

The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers.

We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions.

We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was conducted. The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA Volunteers for the Sinn Fein peace strategy.

There is also widespread concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully engage in the peace process.

We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate.

This has created real difficulties. The overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process.

They and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland.

We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country. It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination and courage.

We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead, those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican base.

The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation

We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate. We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict.

There is a compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace. The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been raised with us.

There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s.

There is also a universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms.

The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation.

We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere. We are confident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our objectives.

Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have taken and all Oglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders.

There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy and goodwill which there is for the peace process.

This comprehensive series of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland

Hobbes

gandalf wrote:

Full Statement

ROFFLE.. its only been posted 5 or 6 times already.

BuffyBot

Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.

The most interesting piece of all I think. However, as someone else said, you can't help but wonder what groups might emerge out of the shadows of this.

gandalf

LOL must have come from the merged thread, ah well its good news so why not advertise it.

I assume this means the end of "fund raising" runs as well

Genghis

Hobbes wrote:

I am taking it as I am reading it. If the wording is correct they will have to support the PSNI or the words are just that. Words.

I've re-read the statment Hobbes, and I see nothing to suggest that the IRA now actually accepts let alone recognises the PSNI.

Allow me to paraphrase and summarise the statement:

1. Our Armed Campaign is over
2. We are disarming, and it will be verifiable, and it will be complete
3. Volunteers are instructed to advance the cause through peaceful means only
4. Other (non peaceful) actions are prohibited
5. These decisions are taken with the widespread support of the nationalist community for the SF peace process;
6. we believe that the SF strategy is the best way to achieve our ultimate aim - a fully independent united Ireland free from British rule
6. We hope other parties and the two governments now fully engage with the peace proces and implement fully the GFA
7. We recognise the sacrifice volunteers have made in the past in the context of a legitimate armed struggle (which we now recognise has served its purpose)
8. We are concerned about the security of nationalist communities and hope that society can resolve the problems that endanger them
9. We ask all IRA volunteers and supporters to be united behind this new strategy.

In fact, the IRA have flagged the vacuum they perceive will exist when they stand down as the de facto poice force of nationalist communities at 4pm today. They do not say that they are now confident that the PSNI will protect nationalists, and that they should be supported by the nationalist community in their endeavours. Do you honestly think that there is enough in that statement for the PSNI to cheerfully patrol the bogside or up the Falls road at 4:05 this afternoon?

Sorry to be pedantic, but acepting the PSNI is one of the most important issues for the 2 governments, and for the Unionists, and frankly I don't see enough there to satisfy them.

However, I think this is a negotiating ploy rather than a real aversion to the PSNI - SF / IRA will only endorse the PSNI after it sees what the 2 Governments and the Unionists do after this statement is digested. To do so now is too much, too soon.

hill16

Listening to the radio now,the DUP and PDs are saying the statement does not go far enough. :mad:

Villain

hill16, no matter what the IRA said they would say it doesn't go far enough.

seamus

irish1 wrote:

hill16, no matter what the IRA said they would say it doesn't go far enough.

I agree. If the IRA and Sinn Fein stood in Trafalgar Square, hand-in-hand, and declared that yes, they have always been linked, but now they were becoming a purely political party, with the IRA being disbanded, then Ian Paisley would complain that it wasn't enough and Gerry Adams should get down on his knees, kiss the Queen's hand and bare his arse for a public flogging.

Ignore Ian Paisley. He's a troll.

Genghis

I am not the only one with reservations, either. I have deliberately taken early reaction from 'moderate' rather than 'extremist' sources - i.e. not the DUP or the PDs who (for different reasons, admittedly) can always be expected to denounce any IRA statement.

DENIS BRADLEY, POLICING BOARD VICE CHAIRMAN wrote:

This is enormous within the history of this island. Will Sinn Fein now take their responsibility and their place in policing and justice?

DAVID FORD, ALLIANCE PARTY LEADER wrote:

While this statement is clearly a significant move in the right direction, it is important to look behind the hype, and analyse its true meaning. A statement in which the IRA declares an end to its 'armed campaign' does not address a number of issues. There is still no clear acceptance of the legitimacy of both the northern and southern states with respect to policing and criminal justice matters. There is no renunciation of their self-proclaimed right to indulge in 'community policing' and dispensing paramilitary beatings.

ALEX ATTWOOD, SDLP POLICING SPOKESMAN wrote:

Eleven years after the first IRA ceasefire these are the words that we needed and wanted to hear. We now hope that the other paramilitary organisations on the loyalist side do the same. Democratic Ireland wants everyone to sign up to policing arrangements north and south and end all organised crime north and south.

jank

Although policing is important and given some time Sinn Fein will accept the PSNI but maybe it goes to show that they cant satisfy everybody all the time. IMO they would do it tomorrow if they could but cant because the many of the nationalist community in the North still have reservations.

you can't help but wonder what groups might emerge out of the shadows of this.

I wouldnt expect any groups to emerge out of it as the last 3 months this statement has been discussed with all the grassroot members of the IRA. I expect the vast majority to be behind this. Any split happened back in 96.

murphaph

This is all well and good, but it's just another statement until all the arms are verified beyond use. I welcome the statement, but will not accept it at face value because we've had words before. Hopefully this time they mean it and the other side will do the same.

Obviously not every 'volunteer' in the IRA and member of Loyalist paramilitary organisations is going to turn away from criminality, seeing as to lots of them it's their bread and butter.

Time will tell on this one but SF have to acknowledge that the PSNI are the lawful body charged with upholding the law and they must join the policing board.

tomMK1

I cant see th policing issue being sorted until the Policing boards powers arent restricted. Im looking for info on how its restricted but so far tha fact that is is restricted can be seen in the quote below:LINK:

In a separate move to hold the chief constable accountable, the Patten Commission envisioned a civilian Police Board with authority to establish inquiries and to call for reports on policing matters. The proposed bill placed several important restrictions on the board's authority, however. In May 2000, Thomas Constantine, former head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, was appointed oversight commissioner for police reform. While the report envisioned a proactive commissioner with a key role in setting objectives in the reform process, the delay in Constantine's appointment and the bill's provisions suggested that the U.K. government saw a much narrower role for the post. The bill also failed to incorporate the recommendation that the name of the force be neutralized to Police Service of Northern Ireland. The bill proposed that the force's name be changed to "Police Service of Northern Ireland (incorporating Royal Ulster Constabulary)" on all title documents, causing nationalist and republican political parties to accuse the British government of bad faith.The bill went back to the House of Commons in the late fall for a final reading.

tomMK1

here seems to be some information on the powers the board should have but dont - gain, i dont think Sinn Fein will join it until its set up the way patton recommended (and he was asked to recommend these things by the british government after all)

With the Patten Report, it was hoped that the new Police Board would be considerably stronger than the Police Authority that it replaced. However, the Police Bill assigns many powers to the Secretary of State and the Chief Constable rather than the Board.

http://www.allianceparty.org/showarticle.asp?id=20

murphaph

Just for a larf, I found this quote on the BBC news website;

Ronan, Dublin wrote:

I can see a few hardliners not taking to this apparent capitulation. Another splinter group may be in the offing, anyone for "I can't believe it's not the IRA"

fade2black

Pretty funny watching Charlie Bird leave his chair a bit prematurely there on the rte bulletin...anyone else catch that?

flogen

I don't see the IRA's soon to be ex-members breaking off into new Republican groups but instead into criminal groups. Naturally though, that's not really anything the IRA leaders can account for unless they're found to be organising it.

As a matter of interest, while I understand that the IRA never recognised the state of Northern Ireland, does it recognise the existing republic? Or does it just recognise an all ireland republic with itself as the army and police?

axer

murphaph wrote:

This is all well and good, but it's just another statement until all the arms are verified beyond use. I welcome the statement, but will not accept it at face value because we've had words before. Hopefully this time they mean it and the other side will do the same.

Obviously not every 'volunteer' in the IRA and member of Loyalist paramilitary organisations is going to turn away from criminality, seeing as to lots of them it's their bread and butter.

Time will tell on this one but SF have to acknowledge that the PSNI are the lawful body charged with upholding the law and they must join the policing board.

ok ian.