Dermot Ahern Welcomes LVF Stand Down

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern TD, today welcomed last night's announcement that the LVF is to stand down.

The Minister said: “This is an important and necessary step towards decommissioning by all loyalist paramilitary groups. I am hopeful that this can lead to further positive developments. ”

“I would encourage the LVF to engage now with IICD (Independent International Commission on Decommissioning) with the decommissioning of all their arms. I would also encourage other loyalist paramilitary groups or organisations to build on this opportunity to bring a speedy end to all paramilitary activities. ”

“The Irish Government is ready and willing to work with those leaders within loyalism who are seeking to address the very real needs of their communities through peaceful means. ”

“At this time we should remember all those who have suffered at the hands of the LVF and other paramilitaries.”