IRA renounces violence
The leadership of the IRA has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign, to take effect from 16:00 BST today.
“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,” it said.
The paramilitary group orders volunteers not to engage in any other activities “whatsoever” and urges cooperation with the International Independent Commission on Decommission.
The long-awaited statement, which puts an end to 30 years of violence in Northern Ireland, comes following an “unprecedented internal discussion and consultation process”.
The IRA said this consultation process revealed strong support for the Good Friday Agreement, but was critical about the “failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully engage in the peace process”.
“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,” the statement said.
The IRA insists its armed struggle, which has seen the paramilitary organisation blamed for more than 1,800 murders over the course of the Troubles, “was entirely legitimate”.
But it added: “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.”
Today’s statement, which was preceded by a number of activities including the release of Shankill Road bomber Sean Kelly, comes in response to Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams’ challenge before the general election to give up the armed struggle.
The organisation was badly discredited following the Northern Bank robbery last December, while the murder of Belfast father-of-two Robert McCartney prompted international outrage.
Speaking before today’s announcement, Mr Adams’ said the IRA’s statement would “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,” he said.
“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.”
Speaking in the wake of the announcement, Mr Adams said the IRA had taken a “quantum leap forward” that provided an “unparalleled opportunity for every republican”.
“There is a time for war, a time to engage, to reach out – and a time to put war behind us. This is that time – a time for peace, justice and for rebuilding,” he said.
Mr Adams added that there was “no possible excuse for the British and Irish governments to not fully and faithfully commit to the Good Friday Agreement”, urging Dublin in particular to “put the past behind them and make peace with the rest of the people of Ireland”.
