Statement on IRA’s future intentions expected this week
The IRA is reportedly expected to issue a much-anticipated statement about its future intentions later this week.
The organisation has been debating the issue internally since April, when Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams called on it to declare an end to armed struggle and commit to exclusively peaceful means.
Reports this morning said a response was expected this week, with General John de Chastelain, the head of the decommissioning body, currently in Ireland to facilitate any moves to destroy further arms.
The reports said Sinn Féin MP Martin McGuinness was also due to travel to the United States this week as part of a visit to coincide with the IRA statement.
Meanwhile, Mr Adams, Mr McGuinness and Sinn Féin TD Martin Ferris have reportedly stepped down from the IRA's ruling army council.
This morning's reports said the three had resigned and been replaced by "military" figures from the IRA as part of a major reshuffle linked to the impending statement.
