Reduction of British Army troop levels
13/11/1998
I welcome the announcement today by the RUC Chief Constable of a significant reduction in British Army troop numbers in Northern Ireland.
The withdrawal of 400 troops from Drumadd Barracks in Armagh City and the dismantling of vehicle checkpoints in Bessbrook in South Armagh are important steps on the way to the normalisation of security arrangements.
It is very important that the momentum of normalisation be maintained in the period ahead and, as provided for in the Good Friday Agreement, the Government will be in regular contact with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in this regard.
