Sinn Féin - On Your Side

IRA outline views on recent peace process developments

13 April, 2003


"Following approaches from others, the leadership of the IRA undertook to draw up a statement setting out our views on recent developments in the peace process. We did so because of our commitment to this process and our desire to see it succeed. In this context, we decided to give our attitude on:

  • The current disposition of Óglaigh na hÉireann (the Irish Republican Army) and the status of our cessation.
  • Our future intentions.
  • Our attitude to a re-engagement with the IICD (the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning) and engagement in a process of putting arms beyond use.
  • A third act of putting arms beyond use, to be verified under the agreed scheme.

We shared concepts and draft elements on these matters with others and now, following an internal consultation, we have closed on a statement which will be passed on to the two Governments. We stand ready to issue it in due course."

P O'Neill, Irish Republican Publicity Bureau, Dublin.