British army to stay on war footing
by Pádraig MacDabhaid
Despite the provisions within the Good Friday Agreement calling for a
demilitarisation of the Six Counties, the British war machine is
rebuilding, rearming, and expanding.
Details published in a book by former British paratrooper Tony
Geraghty indicate that the British army intends not only to maintain
but also to increase its presence in the Six Counties for the
foreseeable future.
In The IrishWar: The Military History of a Domestic Conflict,
Geraghty reveals: ``Throughout the IRA ceasefires of 1995 and
1997-'98, the British army energetically modernised its armoury of
computers. The scale and cost of this programme reflected the army's
belief that it would continue to fight an intelligence war in
Northern Ireland (sic) for many years ahead.''
The book also states that the British army would maintain ``a complete
division of 10,000 troops or more for the foreseeable future''.
Geraghty's claims are backed by a report compiled by the South Armagh
Farmers and Residents Committee (SAFRC), which states: ``Since August
1997, over a 12-month period, £76 million has been spent refurbishing
and expanding the too many RUC barracks and British military barracks
and outposts in the area. A further £14 million has been allocated
for the forthcoming twelve months.''
Indeed, since the IRA cessation of military activity the number of
foot patrols and armoured Land Rover activity has greatly increased.
This military saturation is having a detrimental effect on the entire
community. The SAFRC document explains that while the British
securocrat budget stands at £928 million plus £658 million for the
RUC, there are continuing hospital cutbacks and closures, housing
lists are growing, and educational programmes are being dramatically
cut. It also points out that economic investment in South Armagh is a
non-existent.
Crown forces activity in the Newry/South Armagh area has also been
attacked by Sinn Féin Assembly member Conor Murphy.
Murphy said: ``For 48 hours last week, the British army saturated the
Newry/South Armagh area both on the ground and in the air. They have
indulged themselves in provocative sectarian behaviour and physical
abuse of locals. The British army is once more exhibiting its refusal
to recognise the rights of Irish people to live free from `sectarian
harassment and intimidation', as set out in the Good Friday
Agreement.''
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