Andrews welcomes further security normalisation measures

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. David Andrews, T.D., today welcomed the announcement by the Chief Constable of the RUC, Mr. Ronnie Flanagan, that a number of security installations are to be demolished and the British Army presence withdrawn from permanent vehicle checkpoints in Derry and Strabane.

The Minister particularly welcomed the decision to entirely demolish the permanent checkpoint at Aughnacloy on the Dublin-Derry road and to remove a part of the observation installation on the main Dublin-Belfast road. These measures, which involve the removal of security structures on the main North-South routes, are an important advance in the move to normal security arrangements which is an essential part of the Good Friday Agreement.

The Minister also emphasised the need for the two Governments and all the parties to move forward quickly with the full implementation of all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement.Top