Positive reaction to IMC report
The initial reaction to the Independent Monitoring Commission's report concerning the role of the IRA in the peace process has been positive with MP David Lidington welcoming the results: "We welcome what the IMC says about the security normalisation programme.
“While the threat from dissidents remains real, for most people in Northern Ireland there has been a vast improvement in the security situation over the past 12 years.
“In respect of Sinn Féin and the IRA, the IMC’s comments – particularly regarding terrorist activity and the leadership’s commitment to a political path - are encouraging.
“But we need to be certain that involvement in all forms of criminality, not just terrorism, has ended for good. And there has to be a clear shift in attitude by republicans, who must accept the legitimacy of the police and the rule of law, and encourage their followers to co-operate fully with the PSNI.
“So far as ‘loyalists’ are concerned, we call on them once again to end their illegal activities, engage with General (John) de Chastelain and decommission their weapons.”
