Republican News · Thursday 17 April 2003

Republicans must remain resolute - IRA

"This is a period for republicans to remain resolute," says the IRA in its Easter message, its second public statement in four days.

Although the leadership of óglaigh na héireann says it is not possible, at this moment, to give a definitive comment on ongoing developments, it says that it "shared concepts and draft elements on a range of issues with the British and Dublin governments" on Sunday. The statement confirms that the following day, a finalised statement was passed to the two governments, which the Army will publish in due course.

The Army says that it continues to monitor events very closely.

"There has been much anger and annoyance among republicans at the media spins and leaks over recent days that have attempted to misrepresent our position," it continues.

"We know that the majority of republicans have not seen the statement that was passed to the two governments.

"We ask people to remain patient. We know that republicans will understand the sensitivities of the current situation.

"We will speak for ourselves at the appropriate time.

"This is a period for republicans to remain resolute.

The onus remains on the two governments and the political parties to fulfil their obligations and commitments."

Full text of IRA statements Pages 2&3