Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D., Welcomes UDA Decommissioning

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Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D., Welcomes UDA Decommissioning

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin T.D., welcomed today’s statement by the leadership of the Ulster Defence Association confirming that they have, under the auspices of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD), put all weaponry under its control verifiably beyond use.

The Minister said:

“This is an important day for the people of Northern Ireland.

I would like to express the Government’s appreciation to the loyalist leadership and all those who contributed to the courageous work which facilitated this decision for peace.  It completes the process of decommissioning by the main loyalist paramilitary organisations, including the arms previously put beyond use by the UVF and Red Hand Commandos.

This is a statement of confidence in the political process and in the devolved institutions, one which moves us closer to that genuinely shared future for which so many have worked over decades.  Another obstacle to dialogue and partnership has been removed.

It is essential that the political process not leave any community behind.  The Government recognises the acute economic and social disadvantage which affects particular areas of the North, not least in certain loyalist communities. Tackling such economic and social disadvantage must be a priority, if the progress made is to be consolidated and built upon.

I pay tribute to all those who encouraged today’s very welcome developments, particularly the outreach and confidence building work of Dr. Martin McAleese. I also wish to commend the patient and effective engagement of General de Chastelain and his colleagues in the IICD who have made an enormous contribution to the peace process over the last decade.”

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6 January 2010

Press Office