IRA distances itself from criminal activity
The IRA today distanced itself from “former republicans who have embraced criminal activity”.
In its annual Easter statement, the organisation said it had no responsibility for the tiny number of former Republicans involved in criminality for self gain.
“We repudiate this activity and denounce those involved,” the Provisionals said.
As republicans prepared to mark the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, the IRA again insisted it was committed to the peace process.
“The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann (IRA) believes that it is possible to achieve the republican goal of a united Ireland through the alternative route of purely peaceful and democratic means,” the statement said.
Following last week’s move by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and British Prime Minister Tony Blair to give Northern Ireland Assembly members an absolute deadline of November 24 for the formation of the power-sharing government, the Provisionals said there was frustration and anger at the position adopted by the governments in Dublin and London over the last year.
The statement continued: “However, in our view, the will of the people is to see advances in the political process.
“The onus is on the two governments and the political parties to ensure that this happens.
“The Irish Government, in particular, has a duty to see beyond the current phase of the process.
“Its responsibility is to promote an end to partition and to create the conditions for the unity and independence of Ireland.
“The IRA is fully committed to the ideals and principles of the Proclamation of Easter 1916. We urge maximum unity in the time ahead.”
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