Republican News · Thursday 17 April 2003

IRA Statement

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The following statement from the leadership of the Irish Republican Army was received by An Phoblacht on Sunday 13 April.

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"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 and the status of our cessation,

∑our future intentions,

∑our attitude to a re-engagement with the IICD 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 to the two governments.

We stand ready to issue it in due course."

P O'Neill
Irish Republican Publicity Bureau
Dublin