Reports and Transcripts Courtesy of the Irish American Information Service, the Northern Ireland Information Service and Irish American Post staffers
 

DE CHASTELAIN RETURN TO BELFAST PROMPTS SPECULATION
08/30/05 14:23 EST

The Canadian Gen. John de Chastelain is expected to arrive back in Ireland tomorrow to recommence his work on the issue of paramilitary disarmament. 

The British and Irish governments have strengthened his decommissioning body by re-appointing Finnish brigadier Tauno Nieminen who resigned in 2001. 

The third member of the commission, Andrew Sens, is also understood to be ready to return to work. 

The moves will increase expectations the IRA will resume disarming soon. However, there is nothing to indicate that loyalist paramilitaries are about to follow suit despite recent media reports that loyalists have recently been responsible for five deaths, fourteen non-fatal shootings and twenty-two bombings. 

Much of this loyalist violence is due to an ongoing feud between the LVF and the UVF but there has also been a recent sustained terror campaign against Catholics living in the North and East Antrim areas. 

The IRA has not decommissioned any of its weapons since announcing an end to its armed campaign at the end of July. 

The statement also said independent witnesses from Catholic and Protestant churches had been invited to witness the decommissioning process and ordered members to "dump arms." 

De Chastelain has been chairman of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning since the late 1990s. 

IRISH MINISTER HOPES FOR IRA DECOMMISSIONING WITHIN WEEKS
09/08/05 09:50 EST

The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs said today he hoped the long-awaited final decommissioning of IRA weapons would take place within the next couple of weeks. Speaking during a visit to Belfast, Dermot Ahern said: "We are aware there are moves towards the preparation of decommissioning and as I have said before the sooner the better. There is something of a hiatus. The IRA statement was made and nothing has happened since then and there are tensions on all sides for something to happen." 

He said a clear signal in relation to decommissioning would compliment the very clear signal the British Government gave of rapid movement towards demilitarization once the IRA acted. 

Action by the IRA to finally rid itself of weapons would "send a very clear signal to all and sundry, not just the governments, but the wider community - not least the unionist community - that one very significant element of the conflict of the last 35 years would appear to be at an end." 

Mr. Ahern said such movements by the IRA could do much to reduce the "hugely debilitating" tensions which had spilled over into sectarian violence in recent weeks. 

Mr. Ahern was in Belfast for meetings with the SDLP and Sinn Féin to discuss those sectarian tensions and loyalist attacks on nationalist homes. 

He also visited the West Belfast interface for a meeting with representatives of community groups on both sides of the sectarian divide. 

After the discussions at Farset International on the Springfield Road, he said the community groups had told him these were "very difficult times" and there was a lot of anxiety about sectarianism. 

The Orange Order this weekend plans to proceed with the Whiterock annual parade which earlier in the summer was banned from a nationalist section of the Springfield Road by the Parades Commission. 

There has been intense pressure from unionist politicians for the Parades Commission to reverse its decision and allow the parade to proceed along its traditional routes. 

Mr. Ahern said whatever decision the commission made the Irish Government strongly believed that whether the ruling was right or not it should be accepted and upheld. 

Earlier today, Irish President Mary McAleese was given a briefing on the North's new policing measures by PSNI chief constable Hugh Orde. 

The pair held talks at Mr. Orde's headquarters in Belfast amid criticism of her visit from the Democratic Unionists. 

The chief constable refused to be drawn into a row over the meeting, declaring: "That's a matter for politicians to form a view on this. It's an important statement made by the president and we are delighted to welcome her to see us." 

Her planned visit to a primary school in the loyalist Taughmonagh estate in South Belfast will go ahead as planned. 

Before beginning their talks, Mr. Orde praised the President's continued interest in the security arrangements north of the Border. "I have met the president on a number of occasions and she's interested in policing," he said. 

Mrs. McAleese had been due to meet staff and children at a primary school in Belfast but changed her itinerary. 

Serious rioting in north Belfast in recent days close to the Shankill area, together with mounting concerns about Saturday's postponed Orange Order Whiterock parade from the Shankill on to the nationalist Springfield Road, are understood to be the main factors behind the cancellation. 

Orange Order members and their supporters staged a number of demonstrations on roads in north and west Belfast yesterday morning and evening against a Parades Commission ruling banning Orangemen from parading onto the Springfield Road to their hall at Whiterock through Workman Avenue on Saturday. 

Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness said he was "disappointed" that an opportunity to build bridges was lost by the cancellation of the Shankill element of today's visit. 

SDLP North Belfast MLA Alban Maginness said the decision to cancel the visit to the Shankill "was unfortunate, but probably wise under the circumstances."

AHERN PRESSES IRA ON DECOMMISSIONING
09/19/05 10:22 EST

Irish premier Bertie Ahern has says the sooner IRA decommissioning happens the better for the peace process in Northern Ireland. 

Speaking in Dublin this afternoon, Ahern said he could not give a date when the operation to put republican weapons out of action for good would start. But he said he believed decommissioning would provide an `injection of confidence`, which would help alleviate some of the tensions, which led to last week`s loyalist riots. 

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin said today that Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party must not be allowed to set the pace of political progress in the North. 

Sinn Féin`s chief negotiator Martin McGuinness said the DUP must not be allowed to hold up progress after the expected final decommissioning of IRA weapons.

He said Sinn Féin wanted to see immediate political progress and wanted to see momentum maintained and increased. 

"If the DUP is unwilling to break out of its negative cycle and begin to show the positive leadership which the political process and also their own community require and deserve, then the two governments need to push ahead with the full implementation of the [Good Friday] Agreement," said Mr. McGuinness. 

In particular, he said, the governments must deliver on the equality agenda and begin at last to make a difference in deprived and disadvantaged areas. 

McGuinness spoke out after the DUP dismissed as "fantasy" any idea of it take part in early negotiations with Sinn Féin over the resumption of power sharing. 

North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds said the government had entered into a private side deal with Sinn Féin and his party was not going to be bounced into responding. 

"They will find short shrift from us if they think they can act in this way and then just expect us to meekly acquiesce in their plans to get Sinn Féin into government," said Dodds at the weekend. 

McGuinness responded saying the DUP must not be allowed to dictate the pace of progress. 

The leaders of unionism and the Orange Order were harking back to the old days of unionist domination that were gone forever, he said. 

"There will be no going back. The future must be built on equality for all and respect for all. Collectively we need to challenge the cancer of sectarianism that is eating away at our society," said Mr. McGuinness. 

After the last general election, the DUP had spoken of there being a new confidence, he said. 

But when one looked at the events of recent days and weeks and the summer of sectarian violence the opposite was seen, he added. 

"Continuing negative leadership from unionist leaders serves only to further demoralize their own community. Unionist communities deserve better," said Mr. McGuinness. 

Earlier today, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain warned the IRA against any further delay in disarming. 

With General John de Chastelain, the Canadian head of the international decommissioning body, believed to have returned to Ireland, speculation has grown that a move to get rid of IRA guns and explosives is imminent. 

Mr. Hain insisted he did not know what the timetable was for a move that could restore unionist confidence in the political process and allow a return of the power-sharing administration at Stormont. 

But he stressed: "What is important is that it`s not done too late. What is most critical is that it`s real and credible, and people in Northern Ireland skeptical about decommissioning in the past are able to be satisfied that this is for real." 

Meanwhile, loyalist paramilitaries involved in ferocious violence on the streets of Belfast urged the British Government today to end its alleged "suppression" of Protestants in Northern Ireland. After a week of rioting that brought mayhem to the city of Belfast and surrounding towns, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and its military wing the Ulster Freedom Fighters issued a statement which also backed a campaign of peaceful roadblocks by women angered at how the authorities have dealt with their community. 

It said: "We deplore the political use of the police and Army against the majority population in Northern Ireland. We understand how the loyalist community have reacted to severe provocation. We can also relate to the underlying issues that have brought the loyalist community on to the streets to protest." 

"We too cannot stand idly by and allow injustice and inequality to run rife through our community. We demand a clear and unequivocal announcement from the British Government that the Protestant community deserves the right to live in peace without the fear of suppression and containment." 

Along with the Ulster Volunteer Force, which has already had its ceasefire declared over by Secretary of State Peter Hain, the UDA has been blamed for orchestrating the trouble which flared over a re-routed Orange Order march in West Belfast nine days ago. 

Loyalist paramilitary gunmen opened fire on police and soldiers as petrol and blast bombers went on the rampage throughout the city and on into County Antrim and County Down. 

Business and tourism chiefs have warned that Northern Ireland`s economy could be dealt a major blow because of the severity of the violence. 

But the UDA claimed unionists and Protestants were the victims of a black propaganda campaign. 

The statement said: "Over the past week people have been arrested, charged, processed through the courts, remanded in custody, appeared for a bail hearing and have received bail without ever having been questioned about the alleged offense. How can this be?" 

Even though the violence has been brought to a halt, main routes out of Belfast were blocked during rush hour over the past few days by crowds involving women and children wanting to bring attention to their grievances. 

The UDA applauded these moves, saying: "We support the setting up of the Loyalist Women`s Network and would encourage them in their endeavors to highlight and lobby in a peaceful and non-violent way against the inequality and injustice for Protestants living in Northern Ireland." 

The statement added: "Could we appeal to all those who have come forward claiming to want to help and listen to the issues affecting our community and not to leave them hanging on waiting for unfulfilled promises. Do not give succor to the belief that the Protestant, unionist, loyalist community are poor or stupid as to the reasons for last week`s trouble." 

"Frustration and alienation would seem to be the main instigators of civil unrest. We will to the utmost of our power provide leadership and direction during the days ahead. But governments, politicians, officials and all pragmatists within Northern Ireland must do likewise." 

Hain denied that the British Government had been ignoring Protestants. 

In Lisburn, Co Antrim, today where around a dozen loyalist women protesters held banners declaring British Citizens Demand British Rights, the Secretary of State met local political representatives. 

Challenged about their grievances he said: "There`s clearly a perception among unionists that the Government has not been listening. What I am down here to do is show that I am and we are (listening) and we will continue to work together with a forward agenda for Northern Ireland." 

Hain confirmed he had received proposals from both Ian Paisley`s Democratic Unionists and the Ulster Unionist Party led by Sir Reg Empey, which he plans to assess. 

Signaling that he may act on the proposals, Hain added: "That will show this is not a one-sided government." 

HAIN RECEIVES POSITIVE INTELL ON IRA DECOMMISSIONING
09/21/05 14:18 EST

The British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Peter Hain has said he had received positive intelligence about IRA decommissioning. 

Speaking after talks at Stormont Castle with Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern, the Secretary of State said he was optimistic progress was being made. 

Hain identified the Independent Monitoring Commission report in January as a critical moment as it would indicate whether the organization's historic statement was being transformed into reality. 

Speaking in Belfast tonight, Hain said: "So far, in the first six or seven weeks (since the IRA statement), the signs are quite good and the reports and information I have had would seem to suggest that it is being delivered on the ground." 

Hain's comments come as Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams prepares to address supporters in south Armagh and at a rally in Dublin city center on Saturday - heightening the growing belief that the IRA are close on delivering on the pledge of nearly two months ago to dump all arms after declaring an end to its campaign. 

Adams, with Kerry TD Martin Ferris, briefed IRA inmates in Castlerea Prison yesterday on "peace process developments." 

In the coming days he will engage in a series of events which the British and Irish governments see as preparing the ground for IRA disarmament. 

Asked if he was confident the IRA will move soon on decommissioning, Hain said: "What is important is that they move not just sooner rather than later but that they move with credibility. That everybody, even those most skeptical and suspicious, can be convinced that the promises to dump arms on July 28 are genuinely being implemented and that decommissioning is a major and momentous event. And let's hope that it is." 

On the timescale for the potential return of power-sharing the minister said: "Well, I have said all along is that I don't think this will happen in weeks but it cannot happen in years. Northern Ireland cannot be caught paralyzed politically in so many other ways for a long period of time." 

ADAMS PREPARES HEARTLAND FOR IRA MOVE
09/22/05 15:34 EST

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams told a party conference in the republican heartland of south Armagh this evening that republicans and nationalists will have an unparalleled opportunity for major political advances once the IRA delivers on its peace pledges. 

As speculation mounts of an imminent IRA move on disarmament, Mr. Adams called for supporters to stand firm while accepting that some at grass roots level may still oppose the decommissioning strategy. 

He said: "I would simply appeal for unity and for people to continue to show the type of discipline and commitment they have shown thus far. We believe, and I think its part of what we have been able to achieve as a leadership, in validating dissent. Republicanism has to be tolerant. Some people have fundamental disagreement with the way we are pursuing this strategy, and I think that's okay." 

"We are not leading sheep, we are leading proud activists who have been through an awful lot over the last 30 years or so." 

Mr. Adams who reiterated again tonight that the IRA would deliver on its commitments is to meet the Taoiseach in Dublin tomorrow, heightening the growing belief that the IRA are on the verge of delivering on their July 28 pledge to dump all arms after declaring an end to its campaign. 

However, the Rev Ian Paisley, leader of the Democratic Unionists, has accused the British government of striking a clandestine deal to exclude his party's demand for an independent Protestant clergyman to verify any disarmament. 

Unconvinced by John de Chastelain, the retired Canadian General who will scrutinize decommissioning, Mr. Paisley claimed the process was in disarray with the IRA making the rules. 

Mr. Adams hit back at the DUP complaints, claiming they never raised concerns earlier. 

"It would be very, very difficult at any time to get the IRA to take on board DUP nominees," he said. "But we would do our best in all of that if the DUP were saying well if the IRA does this we'll do something in return." 

He added: "Let's have a bit of confidence in the de Chastelain Commission and whoever the witnesses are. I have every confidence in the IRA delivering on their commitments and let's see how we can move all of this forward. It's a bit rich when unionist paramilitaries are using heavy caliber shoulder weapons to shoot at British troops and PSNI officers - and profess to be loyalists - that the DUP should be concerned about IRA weapons which are silenced and which are going to be, we all hope and pray, put beyond use in the period ahead." 

EXPECTATIONS MOUNT AS SINN Féin MEETS WITH AHERN
09/23/05 07:51 EST

Irish premier Bertie Ahern is today holding his Government's first official meeting since January with Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams as expectations of impending IRA decommissioning continue to rise. 

Adams, with Kerry TD Martin Ferris, briefed IRA inmates in Castlerea Prison earlier in the week on "peace process developments." 

Adams told senior party members in Armagh last night that the public and even republicans have not fully absorbed how significant the July IRA statement pledging to end its armed campaign and decommission was. 

He said the IRA would deliver on its July pledges, and that this could prove difficult for republicans. 

Mr. Adams is meeting the Taoiseach, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell. 

On arriving for today's meeting at Government buildings in Dublin, Mr. Adams said that he wasn't going to speculate about the timing of IRA decommissioning but that he was satisfied that the IRA would honor its commitment. 

"I suppose like everybody else we're waiting for the IRA to do what most people understandably haven't absorbed the importance of, which is to follow through on the formal ending of this campaign which is going to put weapons beyond use. We're here to talk about the entire process and also to talk about what the two governments and the other parties have to do in the time ahead," said Adams. 

Calling the IRA's move 'historical' he added, "the word historical has been devalued and when I say that people including the media and politicians haven't yet absorbed the import of the IRA's move, I think that's understandable. What the IRA has done is to formally end its armed campaign and pledged to work with the De Chastelain commission to put its arms beyond use." 

"We're about taking all the guns out of Irish politics, not just the Republican ones. But I think the IRA has shown great leadership in what it is doing and that opens up all kinds of possibilities for those of us who are involved in politics to continue with the Good Friday agreement, to get it bedded down and then to move on to build the society which the people of this island deserve," he added. 

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin confirmation that its chief negotiator Martin McGuinness is traveling to Washington on Tuesday has further intensified speculation that IRA disarmament is imminent and could come as soon as next Wednesday. 

On the day before the IRA statement at the end of July, Mr. McGuinness also traveled to Washington to be in a position to promote to senior US politicians and to Irish-America the importance of the IRA announcement. 

This is seen as just part of a series of events in which Sinn Féin is priming the public and more importantly the republican base for decommissioning. Mr. Adams is to deliver a keynote speech in Dublin tomorrow at his party's "Rally for Irish Unity" in Dublin. 

NORTH ON CUSP OF FINAL SETTLEMENT - ADAMS
09/23/05 09:45 EST

Northern Ireland is on the cusp of witnessing a final accommodation between unionists and nationalists, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has said. 

Speaking after a meeting with Irish premier Bertie Ahern and two senior Government ministers in Dublin today, Mr. Adams said he believed a settlement in the North involving all parties was imminent. 

"We believe that we are all on the cusp of a future which allows those of us who want to, to see democratic and peaceful structures in place," Mr. Adams said. 

"Those of us who want to see equality right across the island and those of us who want to see an accommodation between unionists and the rest of us, we are on the cusp of that happening in the wake of the IRA putting its arms beyond use," he said. 

Adams met with the Taoiseach, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell. 

On arriving for today's meeting at Government buildings, Mr. Adams said that he wasn't going to speculate about the timing of IRA decommissioning but that he was satisfied that the IRA would honor its commitment. 

"I suppose like everybody else we're waiting for the IRA to do what most people understandably haven't absorbed the importance of, which is to follow through on the formal ending of this campaign which is going to put weapons beyond use. We're here to talk about the entire process and also to talk about what the two governments and the other parties have to do in the time ahead," said Adams. 

Meanwhile, Sinn Féin confirmation that its chief negotiator Martin McGuinness is traveling to Washington on Tuesday has further intensified speculation that complete IRA disarmament is imminent and could come as soon as next Wednesday. 

On the day before the IRA statement at the end of July, McGuinness also traveled to Washington to be in a position to promote to senior US politicians and to Irish-America the importance of the IRA announcement. 

This is seen as just part of a series of events in which Sinn Féin is priming the public and more importantly the republican base for decommissioning. Mr. Adams is to deliver a keynote speech in Dublin tomorrow at his party's "Rally for Irish Unity" in Dublin. 

PAISLEY RAILS AGAINST IRA DECOMMISSIONING PLAN
09/23/05 14:43 EST

Northern Ireland is on the cusp of witnessing a final accommodation between unionists and nationalists, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said today. 

With the IRA believed to be ready to dump its entire stash of weaponry, the leader of the republican movement said he believed a settlement involving all parties would follow. 

The West Belfast MP said the time ahead should be used to build confidence with those who doubted the intentions of republicans. 

"We believe that we are all on the cusp of a future which allows those of us who want to, to see democratic and peaceful structures in place," Mr. Adams said. 

"Those of us who want to see equality right across the island and those of us who want to see an accommodation between unionists and the rest of us, we are on the cusp of that happening in the wake of the IRA putting its arms beyond use." 

As speculation mounts that the IRA are preparing to disarm, Mr. Adams said it was time to look at the next step. 

"And I think we all have to wait for that of course, and our focus at the meeting was to look beyond that even though we all have to wait until that happens," the Sinn Féin leader said. 

Adams met with Irish premier Bertie Ahern, Irish Foreign Affairs minister Dermot Ahern, and one of the republican movements` harshest critics Justice Minister Michael McDowell from the right-wing Progressive Democrats who are in coalition government with Fianna Fail. 

The visit of the Sinn Féin delegation, which also included chief negotiator Martin McGuinness, heightened the growing belief that the IRA are on the verge of delivering on the July 28 pledge to dump all arms after declaring an end to its military campaign. Mr. Adams said the best way forward was the instrumentation of the Good Friday Agreement, and encouraging all parties to sit down together. 

"We want to see the Good Friday Agreement implemented and want to go beyond that co-operation in working together to persuade those who don`t have confidence in the future to join us and have some confidence in the future," he said. 

Retired Canadian General John de Chastelain is charged with the task of scrutinizing the IRA`s disarmament, but the Democratic Unionist Party, predictably, remains unconvinced and claims that the IRA is making all the rules. 

DUP leader Ian Paisley has claimed that a secret deal has been reached over decommissioning and has demanded that a Protestant clergyman of the DUP leader's choice verifies it. 

Mr. McGuinness insisted that the opportunity for progress should not be missed. 

"The work between de Chastelain and the IRA needs to be left between them, and the less interference there is the better," the chief negotiator said. 

"Suffice to say that the Taoiseach is also around long enough to know that we are on the threshold of something very, very important. There is a bright and better future ahead for all of us and we just hope that everyone will take advantage of what I am convinced is a tremendous opportunity." 

The Sinn Féin delegation refused to be drawn on when the IRA would dump its weapons, neither would the Irish Government ministers. 

At the meeting the issue of policing was also raised. 

With politics in the north stagnant for several months, Dermot Ahern said a verifiable act of decommissioning would put it up to unionism that they must work in partnership with nationalists. 

"I think the Sinn Féin delegation made it very clear that they expect it to happen in the near future, and that they expected that it would be extremely significant and they wanted to emphasize to us that they saw it as significant," Ahern said. 

Meanwhile Paisley today insisted it was not acceptable to him that an independent unionist observer to witness the decommissioning needed to have the approval of the IRA and Sinn. 

He challenged the British government: "Will Unionist demands for open, verifiable, photographed and witnessed decommissioning be adhered to or not? Furthermore is that what the British Government has requested of the IRA and have they made it clear to the IRA that nothing else is satisfactory?" 

"We have a right to ask that question and to receive the straight answer, yes or no. Unionists are not going to be pushed over by the duplicity of either the IRA or the two governments. We have a right to know the truth. The day for deception is over, the day for the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth has come." 

"A large propaganda campaign by the Government to sell the diluted form of decommissioning agreed with the IRA will not relieve the situation," Mr. Paisley bellowed. 

NO MORE UNIONIST EXCUSES AFTER IRA MOVE - ADAMS
09/24/05 11:45 EST

Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams said today the IRA was going to honor its commitment to dump its arms in the 'near future'. 

At a speech to thousands of Sinn Féin supporters in Dublin, the Sinn Féin leader added to the growing belief that the IRA are about to carry an unprecedented act of decommissioning, following their July 28 statement which signaled the end of the armed struggle. 

"I believe that the IRA in the near future is going to honor its commitment to put its weapons beyond use," said Adams. 

"Such an announcement will have a huge impact on the political process. I know it will be difficult for many republicans. There will be some who are concerned about the future. But I believe that we need to face up to this opportunity in a positive mood." 

Speaking at a rally in Dublin to mark the 100th anniversary of Sinn Féin`s founding, Adams said the move would be a huge sea change not just for republicans but for the entire island of Ireland. 

"I don`t think republicans have absorbed what it is about. I don`t think the media have absorbed what it is about. I don`t think our opponents have absorbed what it is about," he said. 

"But when the IRA delivers, when our opponents and our enemies no longer have the IRA to use as an excuse, what are they going to do? Harking back to the old days is clearly not an option and I suspect that in their heart of hearts they know that." 

Traffic diversions were put in place in Dublin as thousands of Sinn Féin supporters marched in the rally, which began Parnell Square in Dublin and culminated in Mr. Adams` speech outside the General Post Office (GPO) in O`Connell Street. 

The GPO was the scene of some of the heaviest fighting in the 1916 Easter Rising against British rule and is hugely symbolic for republicans. 

Adams opened his speech with a reference to Bobby Sands, the republican who died in 1981 after 66 days on hunger strike in the Maze prison in Northern Ireland and whose election as an MP is credited with bringing Sinn Féin into politics. 

"In the opening line of the diary he kept during the first two weeks of his hunger strike, Bobby Sands wrote: 'I am standing on the threshold of another trembling world'," he quoted. 

Mr. Adams said there was now a great opportunity to achieve Sinn Féin`s aim of a united Ireland and warned unionists that the days of second class citizenship for nationalists were over. 

"At the same time let no Irish republican or nationalist underestimate our responsibility to reach out to unionism, to pro-actively listen to their concerns and to find a space that they can share with us on the basis of equality. In calling upon unionists to think beyond the moment, to think about the future, we are mindful that we need to do the same." 

The "Rally for Irish Unity" is the latest in a series of events which have strengthened belief that the IRA are ready to live up to their July 28 pledge to ended armed struggle and completely dump its massive arsenal. 

Mr. Adams told Sinn Féin supporters in south Armagh on Thursday that republicans could be handed an unparalleled opportunity for major political advances. 

On Friday a party delegation which included chief negotiator Martin McGuinness met with Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and two of his most senior ministers 

And in a further development it has emerged Mr. McGuinness is due to travel to Washington next Tuesday further intensifying speculation that IRA disarmament is imminent. 

Some reports have asserted that IRA decommissioning is already completed and has been witnessed by two independent churchmen, one protestant and one catholic. The three members of the Decommissioning body have been in ireland during the last month. 

It is likely an intensive period of political activity will follow the expected announcement. 

IRA DECOMMISSIONING TO BE CONFIRMED TOMORROW
09/25/05 11:34 EST

A report confirming that IRA decommissioning has been completed is to be given to the British and Irish governments on Monday. 

General John de Chastelain, head of the body overseeing the disarmament, is then expected to give a news conference with the two independent witnesses. 

It is understood the two churchmen who witnessed the process were Fr. Alex Reid and ex-methodist president Harold Good. 

The IRA announced an end to its armed campaign in July. 

Sinn Féin chief negotiator Martin McGuinness will travel to Washington on Tuesday where he is expected to brief Irish Americans on a breakthrough which he said could be more significant than the IRA's 1994 ceasefire. 

Separate statements are expected from the International Commission on Decommissioning, two independent church witnesses; Fr. Reid and Rev. Good, Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams and the IRA. 

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern today said he was confident the IRA would carry out a full and complete decommissioning of its arsenal. 

In Dublin on Saturday, Adams said it was time for republicans and unionists to work together to overcome their differences. 

The West Belfast MP added to the growing belief that the paramilitary organization is on the verge of its second monumental statement in two months when he addressed a rally to mark Sinn Féin`s centenary. 

He told thousands of supporters: "I believe that the IRA in the near future is going to honor its commitment to put its weapons beyond use. Such an announcement will have a huge impact on the political process. I know it will be difficult for many republicans. There will be some who are concerned about the future." 

"But I believe that we need to face up to this opportunity in a positive mood." 

Adams told the rally the move would be a huge sea change not just for republicans but for the entire island of Ireland. 

"I don`t think republicans have absorbed what it is about. I don`t think the media have absorbed what it is about. I don`t think our opponents have absorbed what it is about," he said. 

"But when the IRA delivers, when our opponents and our enemies no longer have the IRA to use as an excuse, what are they going to do? Harking back to the old days is clearly not an option and I suspect that in their heart of hearts they know that." 

Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain said any the significance of decommissioning had to be apparent to everyone in the North. 

"People have got to see that there is the biggest dumping of arms and getting rid of the IRA`s arsenal than ever before," he said. 

Mr. Hain said: "It has got to be part of a process where the IRA, as they promised in their historic statement at the end of July, deliver action on the ground to close down paramilitary activity and criminal violence." 

He said decommissioning could lead to the resumption of self-government. 

"When that is clear then I think we should get all the parties round to start discussing the resumption of self-government." 

Ahern, who met Sinn Féin at Government Buildings last week, said he was confident the IRA would abandon its arsenal. 

He said: "From everything that I`ve heard and from everything I`ve understood from our own security services, the answer to that question is yes." 

But he cautioned against the speculation about the timing of the move. 

Ahern said: "I think it`s best that we wait until General John De Chastelain (head of the International Commission on Decommissioning) comes forward with his report, hopefully in the near future and that it`s a clear report and that it will give the general public and the wider community in Northern Ireland the confidence to know that the IRA have in fact gone off the scene and that least in the nationalist/republican section of the community, there will be no more paramilitarism." 

IRA DECOMMISSIONS ALL WEAPONS
09/26/05 08:58 EST

The Provisional IRA has disposed of all of its arms, the head of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) said today. 

Speaking at a press conference near Belfast, Gen. John de Chastelain said it was an "important milestone" for Northern Ireland and said he hoped the move would prompt other groups to make a similar move. 

The IRA issued a short statement after the press conference that read: "The leadership of Oglaigh na h- Eireann announced on July 28 that we had authorized our representative to engage with the IICD to complete the process to verifiably put arms beyond use." 

Signed by "P O'Neill," the statement added: "The IRA leadership can now confirm that the process of putting our arms verifiably beyond use has been completed." 

In what is seen as an historical announcement just after 2 p.m. local-time, Gen. de Chastelain said: "Over the past number of weeks the members of the commission have engaged with the IRA representative in the execution of our mandate to decommission arms." 

"We have now reported to British and Irish governments that we have observed and verified events to put beyond use very large quantities of arms which we believe include all the arms in the IRA's possession. We have also made an inventory of them." 

"In September, 2004, the commission was provided with estimates of the number and quantity of arms held by the IRA. These estimates were produced by the security forces in both jurisdictions and were in agreement. Our new inventory is consistent with these estimates and we are satisfied that the arms decommissioned represent the totality of the IRA's arsenal." 

Gen. de Chastelain said the weapons decommissioned included flame throwers, surface-to-air missiles, AK47s and a number of improvised devices. 

He said he did not see any weapons manufactured post-1996, the year the IRA renewed its ceasefire. 

The general said: "We asked them 'Is this everything?'. They said 'Yes, this is everything'." 

Gen. de Chastelain said decommissioning by other paramilitary groups "remains vital." 

"We hope that after today's announcement those responsible for taking them may be encouraged to do so," he added. 

Gen. de Chastelain had earlier delivered a report to the Irish and British governments earlier that confirmed the IRA had fully and verifiably decommissioned its arsenal of weapons. 

The disarmament was verified by former Methodist president the Rev. Harold Good and Redemptorist priest Fr. Alex Reid, who acted as a go-between in the lead-up to the 1994 IRA ceasefire. 

Good told the press conference that witnessing the process on a minute-by-minute basis gave them clear and incontrovertible evidence "that beyond any shadow of doubt the arms of the IRA have now been decommissioned." 

He said: "We have spent many long days watching the meticulous and painstaking way in which General de Chastelain went about his task of decommissioning huge amounts of explosives, arms and ammunition." 

The Reverend said he was utterly certain about the accuracy of General de Chastelain's report. 

The IRA, on July 28th, ordered its members to lay down their weapons. 

De Chastelain was joined by his colleagues Andrew Sens and Brig Tauno Nieminen, in the Culloden Hotel just outside Belfast to publicly announce that the IRA has disarmed. 

The Irish premier, Bertie Ahern, has described the decommissioning of IRA weapons as a "landmark development" in the peace process. 

Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Bertie Ahern said today's announcement by the De Chastelain decommissioning body that the IRA had disposed of all of its arms was of "real historic significance." 

"The gun of the IRA has been taken out of Irish politics," Ahern told reporters. 

But he said "this doesn't end the peace process, it is a phase." He said the next phase was to try to implement the Belfast Agreement and set up a working Assembly and North- South bodies. He said this could be done in the "months ahead." 

Of his own involvement, he added: "I've given ten years of my life to this . . . so I'm very pleased with today." 

British Prime Minister Tony Blair also welcomed General de Chastelain's confirmation that IRA decommissioning is complete. 

"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," Blair said. 

"The British government will continue to implement its obligations under the Belfast Agreement and the Joint Declaration. In time, we believe this will lead to the restoration of devolved government and to a more peaceful future for Northern Ireland," Blair concluded. 

Sept. 25, 2005

IRA DECOMMISSIONS ARMS; LOYALISTS & BRITISH NEED TO DO THE SAME 

According to major news sources such as Reuters and BBC, the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) will confirm on Monday that the Irish Republican Army (IRA) has verifiably disposed of all of its arms. 

This new development is welcomed by the Irish American Unity Conference (IAUC). In a statement by IAUC President, Judge Andrew Somers said: 

The completion of the decommissioning of arms by the IRA marks an historical landmark in the quest for true democracy and the peace process in Northern Ireland. The IAUC commends the work done by Sinn Féin, the Irish Republican Army and the IICD in accomplishing this end. 

We assert that all guns must be taken out of the equation in Northern Ireland. It is time to let the Irish people create their own peace without guns and without British troops. 

There are still over 10,000 British troops stationed in Northern Ireland. The British troops act as a provocation and an excuse to the loyalist and nationalist communities. The British troops stand in the way of reconciliation and dialogue between the Irish people. They need to leave. 

In addition, there is no indication that the loyalist paramilitaries are about to disarm. Recent media reports reveal that those gangs associated with the unionist community have been involved in five deaths and multiple 
non-fatal shootings and bombings. 

While much of this violence has been reported to be due to an ongoing feud between loyalist gangs, there has also been a recent sustained terror campaign against Catholics, especially those living in the north and east Antrim areas. Examples of this senseless violence included two recent fire bombings of Catholic schools by loyalist bigots. 

To summarize, Judge Somers said: The political process needs to replace military and paramilitary power. 

— Deanna Turner 
Irish American Unity Conference 

Sept. 26, 2005 

KENNEDY STATEMENT ON IRA DECOMMISSIONING 

"This long-awaited action by the IRA is welcomed by all Americans who care deeply about peace and an end to the violence in Northern Ireland. I congratulate Gerry Adams and Sinn Féin for their role in this achievement. 

Hopefully, this dramatic and historic step toward peace will be embraced by the unionist community and become a new dawn for the peace process, so that the all-important restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly can take place as soon as possible."

— Sen. Edward Kennedy, Massachusetts

WHITE HOUSE WELCOMES IRA MOVE
09/27/05 07:53 EST

The White House has welcomed the news of IRA decommissioning. 

White House spokesman Scott McLellan said yesterday's statement marked an opportunity for all parties to renew efforts to reach a sustainable political settlement in Northern Ireland. 

"The decommissioning by the IRA is a critical first step in fulfilling the terms of their July 28th statement to pursue its goals through exclusively peaceful and democratic means." 

He added: "And it must be followed by actions demonstrating the republican movement's unequivocal commitment to the rule of law and to the renunciation of all paramilitary and criminal activities. We remain steadfast in our support for the peace process and the work of the British and Irish governments to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation for the people of Northern Ireland under the principles of the Good Friday agreement." 

U.S. politicians who have been engaged with the peace process welcomed the IRA's move as an event of historical significance. 

Sen. Edward Kennedy said the long-awaited action by the IRA was welcomed by all Americans who cared deeply about peace and an end to the violence in Northern Ireland. 

"I congratulate Gerry Adams and Sinn Féin for their role in this achievement. Hopefully, this dramatic and historic step toward peace will be embraced by the unionist community and become a new dawn for the peace process, so that the all-important restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly can take place as soon as possible," he said. 

New York congressman Jim Walsh, chairman of the US Congress's Friends of Ireland Committee, said he hoped that unionists would match the IRA's action by restoring the North's political institutions. 

"Today's news is a historic advancement in the decades-old struggle to end religious and sectarian violence in Northern Ireland," he said. "Through disarmament, the IRA clearly indicates its intent to advance a political resolution to the Troubles." 

Massachusetts congressman Richard Neal described the IRA's action as "an extraordinary development" that should be welcomed by the US, British and Irish governments in the strongest possible terms. 

"By putting its arms beyond use, the IRA has ended its armed struggle. In the process, an unparalleled opportunity for peace and political stability has been created," he said. 

Neal, who will meet Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness in Washington this week, said that if the DUP failed to respond to the IRA's move, the institutions envisaged in the Belfast Agreement should be made to work without the biggest unionist party. 

"Paisley's leadership role is going to be questioned here," he said. 

However, Democratic Unionist Party leader the Rev Ian Paisley said today there had been a "cover-up" in relation to IRA decommissioning and said his party would not be entering into government with Sinn Féin. 

Speaking after an hour-long meeting with Gen. John de Chastelain and other members of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD), Paisley claimed many weapons had fallen into the hands of dissident republican groups. 

"Even the security forces admit that some of the weapons that were in the original lists are now given to other dissident organizations, and that is very serious. Part of the weapons that should have been decommissioned have disappeared and the security forces admit they are probably in the hands of dissidents. The more spotlight is put on this, the more we discover there is a cover-up," Paisley said. 

De Chastelain said yesterday the IRA's arsenal of weapons, explosives and ammunition has been put beyond use in a massive decommissioning operation that lasted several days. 

The Irish and British governments welcomed what they called a landmark development, and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said the IRA's unprecedented decommissioning was total. 

The decommissioning exercise was witnessed by the former president of the Methodist Church, the Rev. Harold Good, and Redemptorist priest Fr. Alec Reid. They said the process had demonstrated to them that, "beyond any shadow of doubt," the arms of the IRA had been decommissioned. 

But Paisley said his party members "got the greatest surprise of all" during today's meeting when they discovered that improvised weapons were not covered on the intelligence lists. 

Paisley said: "These things put a question, a very big question, over what has taken place. When we came to any question which could unravel what needs to be unraveled and could put some light on these things, they refused to give us any answers." 

On the the Catholic and Methodist churchmen, who acted as independent witnesses to decommissioning, Paisley said: "They were the IRA's nominated witnesses. The gun is not out of Irish politics," Paisley said, as he made clear his party will not be pressed into forming a government with Sinn Féin. 

Asked whether he could see himself in government with Sinn Féin, he said: "We will not be doing it." He said he represented the people and it would be the people who decided whether republicans would be in government. 

JOINT STATEMENT BY BRITISH AND IRISH GOVERNMENTS
09/27/05 08:03 EST

Following is the complete text of a joint statement released by the British and Irish governments following the IRA's complete decommissioning yesterday: 

The two Governments have today received a report from the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD). 

The report states that the IICD has overseen a further and final major program of arms decommissioning by the IRA. It is the IICD's assessment, based on the information available to it and the two Governments, that the IRA has now placed all of its arms completely and verifiably beyond use. 

We warmly welcome this landmark development. Having sought to achieve this outcome for so many years, its significance now needs to be acknowledged and recognized. It is the clearest signal ever that the IRA's armed campaign is over. 

We also welcome the presence of clergymen from the Protestant and Catholic communities as independent witnesses to the decommissioning process. Their presence should enhance public confidence. 

Although the completion of IRA decommissioning removes a dangerous threat and offers a welcome and important opportunity for progress, we are today most of all conscious of the victims of the IRA's protracted campaign and their families. They remain central to our thoughts and prayers. The tragic and unnecessary loss of life and terrible injuries suffered over an extended period can never be forgotten. 

In our joint statement of 28 July, we said that the IRA's words must be borne out by actions. Today's IICD report represents a major step forward in this regard. 

We look forward to the reports, scheduled for October and January, of the Independent Monitoring Commission, which will address the question of paramilitary and criminal activity. 

We strongly believe that the interests of everyone in Northern Ireland and throughout these islands are best served by the earliest practicable restoration of the devolved institutions of the Good Friday Agreement. We recognize that trust and confidence will take time to rebuild but we hope that today's developments will provide a vital stimulus. For their part the Governments will do everything we can to facilitate progress. 

The completion of IRA decommissioning makes it all the more urgent that loyalist paramilitary activity be brought to an end and that all loyalist arms be decommissioned. 

We would like to express our profound appreciation for the work of General de Chastelain and his colleagues on the IICD. They have made an invaluable contribution to the process of building and assuring peace. We are deeply indebted to them for the professional and painstaking manner in which they have carried out this part of their mandate. 

UNIONISTS WILL GRADUALLY ACCEPT IRA DECOMMISSIONING - ADAMS
09/28/05 09:31 EST

More and more unionists in Northern Ireland will slowly accept that the IRA has decommissioned all its arms, Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said today. The three-member International Independent Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) announced on Monday that the IRA had verifiably put its entire arsenal of weapons, ammunition and explosives beyond use during previous days. 

In a statement, United States President Bush welcomed the (IICD) that the IRA had "comprehensively and verifiably disarmed." 

President Bush said the move by the IRA was an opportunity for all parties to renew efforts to reach a sustainable political settlement in Northern Ireland. 

President Bush commended "the efforts of General John de Chastelain and his fellow IICD commissioners, and applauds the efforts of Sinn Féin in bringing the republican community to this moment." 

The statement then called calls on all other paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland to engage with the IICD to bring about total decommissioning "at the earliest possible date." 

It said the IRA's decommissioning was a critical first step in fulfilling the terms of the IRA's July 28 statement to pursue its goals through exclusively peaceful and democratic means. 

"The IRA's laudable decommissioning must be followed by actions demonstrating the republican movement's unequivocal commitment to the rule of law and to the renunciation of all paramilitary and criminal activities. The United States further calls on Sinn Féin, the IRA, and all republicans to fully support the police service." 

"The United States remains steadfast in its support for the peace process and the work of the British and Irish Governments to achieve lasting peace and reconciliation for the people of Northern Ireland under the principles of the Good Friday Agreement," the statement concluded. 

While DUP leader the Rev. Ian Paisley immediately refused to accept the word of Gen. John de Chastelain and independent witnesses Fr. Alec Reid and the Rev. Harold Good, Ulster Unionist chairman Danny Kennedy said his party was satisfied with the verification from the two churchmen. 

Welcoming Mr. Kennedy`s comments, the Sinn Féin leader said today that unionists needed time and space to consider the issue but would eventually agree with the IICD. 

"More and more people on the unionist side have a sense that this [IRA decommissioning] has been what the IICD said it was and what the two church witnesses clarified," he said in Dublin. 

"I think you`ll get more and more unionists coming around to that." 

Paisley led a DUP delegation to see De Chastelain yesterday along with other Northern Ireland political parties. 

The North Antrim MP declared afterwards that the decommissioning was "a cover-up" and that some arms had gone missing and may have ended up in the hands of republican dissidents. 

Speaking of Paisley`s dismissive attitude towards the IICD`s work, Mr. Adams said today: "You could have written the script. Ian Paisley went in to see the IICD in order to make the remarks he made. But I still think we have to give him the benefit of the doubt." 

The Irish parliament is due to hear statements from Government and Opposition parliamentarians later today on the IRA decommissioning as it resumes after its summer break. 

Irish premier Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair are due to meet later this week to discuss ways to advance the peace process. 

Sinn Féin`s chief negotiator Martin McGuinness is still in Washington for briefings on the issue with republican activists and Irish American politicians on Capitol Hill. 

IRA ARSENAL DETAILS WILL NOT BE PUBLISHED - HAIN
09/28/05 13:23 EST

The British government is not going to publish the British security force's estimates of the IRA arsenal, the Northern Ireland secretary has said. 

Peter Hain said he would not compromise national security by making such estimates public, despite calls from the DUP and Ulster Unionists. 

The head of the decommissioning body said the weapons destroyed corresponded to estimates from both governments. Hain also challenged loyalists to follow the IRA's move on disarmament. He said if loyalists refused to disarm and end their violence they would face a "ruthless" security clampdown. 

"The IRA have now dumped their arsenal and decommissioned, there's no excuse whatsoever for loyalist paramilitaries not to do the same," he said. 

"They must disarm and get the peace back on the streets. We cannot have any more loyalist gunmen trying to kill our police, we cannot have any more loyalist feuds with each other, murdering each other and disfiguring and poisoning the loyalist estates and other areas, it's got to stop." 

Hain said the British security force estimates of the IRA arsenal, which the decommissioning body said had been put beyond use, were based on intelligence reports. 

"I am not going to risk the security of Northern Ireland, or national security in any way by compromising intelligence sources, therefore no, we will not publish those estimates," said Mr. Hain. 

Earlier, Hain used his keynote speech to the British Labour conference in Brighton to reflect on the completion of IRA decommissioning. 

He also said the restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland was the British government's over-riding objective and he was "confident" that would be achieved. 

"The endgame is the hardest because the two sides may have journeyed miles towards each other, but, when they are just feet apart, they want to draw back. We are at this key moment now - and it's time for the politicians of Northern Ireland to be courageous." 

Hain acknowledged that there was still a "difficult and tough" future ahead, as well as a legacy of pain from the past. But he said the announcement, by the arms body, that the IRA had "put its entire arsenal of arms beyond use" meant a chance for progress. 

"If, in January, the Independent Monitoring Commission confirm a complete end to IRA activity, then the time will have come for every person in Northern Ireland, unionist or nationalist, to grasp this opportunity for peace. This historic opportunity to move forward with genuine political engagement and progress." 

"Because the real lesson of the years since the Good Friday Agreement is that violence does not pay - that real political progress can only be made when paramilitaries leave the stage." 

"That lesson was eventually learnt by republicans; it's high time it was learnt by loyalists too. The IRA has decommissioned its arms. The loyalist paramilitaries must now do so too." 

The Northern Ireland secretary also emphasized the need for the local economy to become more competitive on the global stage. He also listed a range of policy measures to be implemented by the direct rule ministers in the coming weeks. 

* Plans for fewer, but more powerful local councils to replace the 26 currently operating 

* Proposals to simplify the structures delivering health to ensure value for money and shorter waiting lists 

* Education reforms to deliver better standards, and the pressing ahead with the policy to end 11-plus selection 

* A redirection of resources to new policies in the budget for the next two years, which will all focus on enhancing the life chances for the next generation 

Hain also promised a new drive to promote renewable and other clean energy to protect the environment. There had been some speculation that his speech would include a series of measures intended to build confidence among unionists. 

Government sources said these would not be spelled out today, but may follow in the near future. 

Meanwhile, it has emerged that British Prime Minister Tony Blair is expected to visit Northern Ireland in the next couple of months if the 'Independent' Monitoring Commission (IMC) says the IRA has completed decommissioning. 

The IMC, which is appointed by the British government, is due to present the first of two reports on the IRA next month. Downing Street sources said the visit, intended to inject impetus into the political process, could be in late October or November. Both Sinn Féin and the DUP are due to visit Number Ten, Downing St., for talks with Blair next week.