IRA statement

Villain

It looks like today could deliver a truly historical event with the IRA releasing a statement which will see the organisation end all activities. The release of Sean Kelly last night along with Martin McGuinness saying only a few hours ago that “in a few hours it will be the dawning of a bright new day in Ireland” after he had arrived in the US to brief Bush’s envy. McGuinness has a press conference scheduled for noon (5pm Irish time) by which time it is expected the IRA will have released it’s statement.

I know no matter what the statement says there will be many here who will dismiss it, but I truly believe that this will be a momentous historical event which will see an end to the armed struggle and a final move to democratic politics.

Hobbes

DUP have already dismissed it.

TBH anything other then a complete disbandment is not going to cut it.

Will be intresting to see how Bush spins it as something he helped bring about.

Victor

irish1 wrote:

I know no matter what the statement says there will be many here who will dismiss it

Well hopefully it will be a change. I've been hopefully since 1985 (a lot closer to 1972 than today is).

bonkey

irish1 wrote:

It looks like today could deliver a truly historical event with the IRA releasing a statement which will see the organisation end all activities.

I wonder if I shoudl start a book on how long it takes before there is an article in the media / here about something which contradicts "all activities" and we'll have to listen to yet another round of explanations as to why the particular activity in question wasn't actually covered.

F'r example...will recruitment, weapons-acquisition and information-acquisition count as activities? Will members meeting and/or discussing the future of the IRA qualify as an activity?

Or will it just be a "we'll stop beating up people and robbing banks" sort of "all activity"?

OK - I'm jumping the gun. I know I am. But I'm putting my marker down now and saynig I am pessimistic and believe that whatever statement is issued will not be a clear, unequivocable statement saying that the IRA will cease to exist in any active form.

I know no matter what the statement says there will be many here who will dismiss it,

I think statements on their own have long-established to be worthless. If what the IRA promise sounds worthwhile, then it will still be discounted until they show they're living up to their words. Whether you like it or not, the IRA does not have what you might consider to be the trust of the people.

The crunch is finding out if they have the cojones to live up to their words (whatever those words may be) in the face of such skepticism.

but I truly believe that this will be a momentous historical event which will see an end to the armed struggle and a final move to democratic politics.

I hope you're right, but I believe that if you consider teh statement to be historical before waiting to find out how its played out in practice, then you really haven't been looking at whats been happening over the last 20 years and more, except perhaps through rose-tinted glasses.

Hobbes wrote:

TBH anything other then a complete disbandment is not going to cut it.[./quote]
Indeed. One has to ask what the purpose of a complete cessation of all activities would be if not to sort-of-disband only without actually disbanding.

Which then begs teh question...why not disband...

...but hey...jumping the gun again. Maybe they'll announce disbandment, hand over all weapons and proceeds to mediators, and just disappear.

jc

Villain

Bonkey I am more than aware of was had happened over the past 20 years, I didn't say I know it will be historical, I said I truly believe it will be and I do, I think all the signs are there that this will be a final move.

I agree with you that the real test is what happens in the coming months, i.e. if they will follow through with their word and end all activities and decomission all weapons.

IMO "all activities" is just that, everything must stop, obviously the group of people will still excist and they will have commemorations but all activites must cease to excist. I think Bertie said something along those lines lately.

tomMK1

there is a rumour going around that the governments have already seen the statement so it'll be interesting to see what it says.

After listening to that fella from the Sunday Indo on the last word telling us that carrickmore has lots of houses with jacuzzis (no idea what carrickmore he means but its certainly not the tyrone one he was reffering to) and basically talking a lot (and i mean a lot) of rubbish, i dont think the Indo reading public will be too interested in the statement - well yer man certainly sounded like he had dismissed it already

Genghis

At this point in time, I think the IRA know that they will be wasting their time if they do not issue a statement that ends all contentious, criminal, paramilitary, violent and intimidatory activity. They will also know that to be effective it will need to be backed up by actions, and it will need time to be verified and believed by the unionists.

The big question will be how far they / Sinn Fein go on policing. That is likely to be the last stumbling block to a return to Stromont and (relatively) normal politics in the North. I have a feeling the Sinn Fein will hold off on this one to negotiate before resuming Stormont.

It may not be a bad strategy - leave something substantial for the Unionists to complain about, rather than having them moan about insubstantial issues such as meeting, associating, commemorating, etc which, imho can be justified as reasonable in the context of an overall standing-down of their other activities.

tomMK1

the policing issue will have to be dealt with eventually so the sooner the better imho

Genghis

I agree, but I still can't see the IRA / SF "give it all away" today.

BuffyBot

I'm putting my marker down now and saynig I am pessimistic and believe that whatever statement is issued will not be a clear, unequivocable statement saying that the IRA will cease to exist in any active form.

I think quite a substantial portion of people feel somewhat similar. It'll be interesting to see what comes about.

Hobbes

BBC News: "IRA statement will challenge republicans and nationalists - Gerry Adams. More soon."

marco murphy

Genghis wrote:

I agree, but I still can't see the IRA / SF "give it all away" today.

Exactly, either that or they have another ship load of m16s coming in

hill16

My worry is that Nationalist areas will be left unprotected from Loyalist attacks which have increased in the last month or two,and what happens if other Republican groups increase their attacks on security forces, will the IRA get the blame.

Nuttzz

hill16 wrote:

My worry is that Nationalist areas will be left unprotected from Loyalist attacks which have increased in the last month or two,and what happens if other Republican groups increase their attacks on security forces, will the IRA get the blame.

the loyalists are too busy fighting over drug turf to be bothering nationalists at the moment.

It will be interesting to see, no doubt they wont want to give Big Ian and Co the idea they have surrendered....

Villain

From breaking news.ie:

The IRA statement today will challenge Irish republicans and nationalists, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has declared.

Mr Adams said: “The forthcoming IRA statement will challenge Irish republicans and nationalists. I appeal to everyone to carefully read what the army has to say and to remain united and steadfast.

“The IRA statement will also challenge others, especially the two governments and the Unionists.

“The Dublin political establishment in particular will have a lot of soul-searching to do if those in political leadership are to meet the needs of the upcoming period.”

tomMK1

BuffyBot wrote:

I think quite a substantial portion of people feel somewhat similar. It'll be interesting to see what comes about.

it'll probably have give and take in it. the IRA will do X if the governments/unionists do Y which in my mind would be a good thing as its not only the IRA who need to sort themselves out for peace to work.

Hobbes

hill16 wrote:

My worry is that Nationalist areas will be left unprotected from Loyalist attacks which have increased in the last month or two,and what happens if other Republican groups increase their attacks on security forces, will the IRA get the blame.

No, the other group will or it will be treated as criminal action.

Actually the more I think about it the more it seems the best way to go.

In light of the current attacks in London its going to get messy for anyone marked as "Terrorist". IRA disbanding means they will avoid this messiness.

It also leaves the Unionists with its own terrorist forces. They have the option to do the same or get stepped on.

Hobbes

tomMK1 wrote:

it'll probably have give and take in it. the IRA will do X if the governments/unionists do Y which in my mind would be a good thing as its not only the IRA who need to sort themselves out for peace to work.

I dont think that is a good thing at all. Any tit-for-tat generally gets ignored.

axer

.

axer

I think the time is right for the IRA to step down. It will put the pressure on the Unionists then. I think the IRA know that they must go or their members (moreso newer members) may get more and more involved in criminality and end up like the UVF and LVF.
I hope this happens.

skywalker

Hobbes wrote:

It also leaves the Unionists with its own terrorist forces. They have the option to do the same or get stepped on.

Can I ask a question (this is a genuine question with no hidden agenda, just one Ive never heard asked). why is it that its only ever IRA decommisioning thats on the agenda? there are other terrorist organisations in the north still arent there?

Roar

"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.
Irish Republican Army orders an end to armed campaign
The IRA is fully committed to the goals
of Irish unity and
independence and to
building the Republic
outlined in the 1916
Proclamation
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
HISTORIC
STATEMENT
READ BY
SÉANNA WALSH
THE historic IRA statement was visually
recorded and read by Séanna Walsh at the
request of the leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann.
Séanna served over 21 years as a
Republican Prisoner of War in both the Cages
and the H-Blocks of Long Kesh. He was among
the first republicans ‘on the blanket’ after his
arrest in 1976, the year the British Labour
Government began its policy of attempting to
criminalise IRA prisoners. Séanna was a friend
and cellmate of Bobby Sands, the Officer
Commanding in the H-Blocks and the first of
the Hunger Strikers who died in 1981.
Since his release Séanna Breatnach has
played a key role working with Sinn Féin’s
negotiating team and advancing the republican
peace strategy."

Genghis

Good Scoop Roar!

No direct mention of policing. Otherwise a very strong and unambigous statement (in so far as "all activities" is taken to include all criminal, paramilitary and other illegal activities - I expect demands for clarification on this point.)

Genghis

Incidentally, where did you get it from (no mention yet on any news source I have scoured, the word is that it will not be released until mid-afternoon ahead of scheduled press conferences in Dublin and the USA at 4pm).

Hobbes

Genghis wrote:

Incidentally, where did you get it from (no mention yet on any news source I have scoured, the word is that it will not be released until mid-afternoon ahead of scheduled press conferences in Dublin and the USA at 4pm).

Was on the radio just now.

Hobbes

Genghis wrote:

No direct mention of policing.

As I take it all actions which would be classed as criminal are to be stopped. This would include policing (which would be handled by the countries police force).

Its a good move, and I like the fact they are getting witnesses as well this time.

Clearly puts the pressure on Unionists to do something. Can't wait for Ians reply.

Genghis

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.

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.

jank

Excellant statement. After all the ****e being spouted here over the past 6 months, I truely believed back then that this day was not far away at all.

Well it has arrived today.

Of course action has to go with words but watching sky news its believed that arms decommisining is already under way!

DUP will dismiss it of course(along with some here of course! :rolleyes: ), sure they have already dissmissed it and it wasnt even out then. Their going to try and spin it and go on about the release of Sean Kelly etc etc etc.......

Historic day for all

Villain

This is an historic day, the IRA will today at 4pm put down their weapons for good and all activites will stop.

I knew this day would come and I am delighted with the statement, I now look forward to seeing all their arms been put beyond use and the DUP sitting down with Sinn Fein to form a powersharing government.

Sinn Fein have made this possible and no matter what any of the anti Sinn Fein posters say, without them this would not be possible, Sinn Fein have offered the republicans an alternative - democratic political process and they now must embrace that process.

seamus

It will be interesting to see what kind of breakaway groups emerge from this. It's an historic day, but I very much doubt it's an end to the violence in the North.

Sparky

So what do you all think, at last there will be peace.

I wonder in years to come will the islamic terrorists do the same

http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-1190536,00.html

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.