IRA blames Blair for crisis
The IRA has rejected the Propositions on Heads of
Agreement as a basis for reaching a peace settlement.
In a statement on Wednesday night they described it as
a ``pro-Unionist document'' which has ``created a crisis
in the peace process''. They lay blame for the crisis
firmly with Tony Blair's Labour Government who is ``yet
another British Prime Minister [who] has succumbed to
the Orange Card''.
The full text of the IRA statement is:
The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann do not regard the
`Propositions on Heads of Agreement' document as a
basis for a lasting peace settlement. It is a
pro-Unionist document and has created a crisis in the
peace process.
We have pointed out repeatedly in the past that
meaningful negotiations are crucial to the resolution
of the conflict. We have affirmed our willingness to
facilitate such negotiations. We have matched this
commitment with deeds in announcing and maintaining a
cessation of military operations since 20 July last
year.
The British Government have, as yet, refused to face up
to their responsibilities in this regard. They have
continued with the remilitarisation policy of their
predecessors in government. They have stalled on the
implementation of any serious or meaningful
confidence-building measures.
Most significantly of all, in attempting to impose the
`Heads of Agreement' document on the talks process yet
another British Prime Minister has succumbed to the
Orange Card. This was against a background of the
Unionist leadership refusing to meaningfully engage in
the talks process and the continuing assassinations by
loyalist death squads. Instead of facing up to this
pressure the British government has again yielded to
it.
The responsibility for undoing the damage done to the
prospects for a just and lasting peace settlement rests
squarely with the British government.
signed
P O'Neill
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