UDA 'has begun efforts to disarm'
The largest loyalist paramilitary group in the North has begun meaningful efforts to to disarm, it was confirmed today.
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward said interlocutors have been appointed as the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) takes steps to decommission.
The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) informed the Government it had met the UDA to discuss how the terror group could put its weapons beyond use.
Mr Woodward said he welcomed the move.
“The IICD has informed the Government that a meeting has taken place between the IICD and the UDA at which decommissioning was discussed,” the Secretary of State said.
“The Commission has confirmed that meaningful engagement and negotiations have started. Named interlocutors have been appointed and further meetings are planned.”
Stormont Social Development Minister SDLP’s Margaret Ritchie has threatened to withdraw £1.2 million funding for regeneration in loyalist communities, and promoted by the UDA, unless the organisation goes out of business.
And as recently as yesterday that looked in jeopardy after its leaders insisted it will pursue its own plan to end paramilitarism.
In a statement the UDA said it had its own plan and timetable and would stick to it.
After the UDA was linked to rioting in Carrickfergus and Bangor over the summer, the SDLP minister set the terror group a deadline of next Tuesday to disarm.
