INLA TO DECLARE TRUCE WITHIN DAYS
INLA set to declare truce within days, reveals leading IRSP man
By Una Bradley and Chris Thornton
THE INLA is poised to call a ceasefire within days, according to members of the group's political wing.
Sources in the IRSP last night said they were "confident" a cessation was in sight.
The move follows a call from the IRSP earlier in the week for republican groups to end their campaigns of violence.
IRSP executive member Paul Little revealed that the party had held talks with INLA members in the Maze Prison last week and said he was confident a ceasefire would be called soon.
"We have been holding talks since before last Christmas," he said. "There has been a lot of dialogue and discussion going on for a long time.
"The political climate has changed. The referendum result showed that people wish to see a peaceful way forward."
Earlier this month, Secretary of State Mo Mowlam revealed that INLA representatives have been speaking to NIO officials about a ceasefire.
But Mr Little said he did not believe the INLA would be influenced by the Real IRA's suspension of violence after the Omagh massacre.
That dissident republican group, which earlier admitted killing 28 people in the Omagh bombing, claimed to be entering a "period of consultation" on its future direction.
The announcement met with widespread anger and revulsion.
The other remaining dissident republican grouping, the Continuity IRA, has made no moves to call a ceasefire.
By Una Bradley and Chris Thornton
THE INLA is poised to call a ceasefire within days, according to members of the group's political wing.
Sources in the IRSP last night said they were "confident" a cessation was in sight.
The move follows a call from the IRSP earlier in the week for republican groups to end their campaigns of violence.
IRSP executive member Paul Little revealed that the party had held talks with INLA members in the Maze Prison last week and said he was confident a ceasefire would be called soon.
"We have been holding talks since before last Christmas," he said. "There has been a lot of dialogue and discussion going on for a long time.
"The political climate has changed. The referendum result showed that people wish to see a peaceful way forward."
Earlier this month, Secretary of State Mo Mowlam revealed that INLA representatives have been speaking to NIO officials about a ceasefire.
But Mr Little said he did not believe the INLA would be influenced by the Real IRA's suspension of violence after the Omagh massacre.
That dissident republican group, which earlier admitted killing 28 people in the Omagh bombing, claimed to be entering a "period of consultation" on its future direction.
The announcement met with widespread anger and revulsion.
The other remaining dissident republican grouping, the Continuity IRA, has made no moves to call a ceasefire.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0113
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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