Republican News · Thursday 27 March 2002

British soldiers confronted in South Armagh

Sinn Féin demilitarisation campaigners are pictured confronting British soldiers on patrol in south Armagh last Sunday. Sinn Féin Councillor Packie McDonald, says the British Army were seen digging in around the Slieve Gullion Courtyard in south Armagh last weekend. On Sunday, helicopters landed large numbers of troops into the area. Members of the local Sinn Féin Demilitarisation Committee then confronted British soldiers on patrol.

"This invasion of one of the natural beauty spots in this area is totally unacceptable to residents and visitors alike," said McDonald. " The British Army have maintained an unwanted presence in this area for many years. The British government needs to fulfil its obligations under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. Recent promises of a rolling programme to complete demilitarisation in this area have now rolled to a halt."