TERROR TRUCE IS WELCOMED
Terror truce is welcomed
Group says sorry for 'innocent victims' killed
By Damian McArdle
THE weekend announcement by the INLA of an end to its 23-year campaign of violence has been greeted cautiously.
The republican terror group apologised to its 'innocent victims" during Saturday's ceasefire declaration delivered via its political wing, the IRSP, during a press conference in west Belfast.
Welcoming the announcement. Political Development Minister Paul Murphy said there must now be a complete end to all violence.
"The suffering of the people of Omagh has underlined the need for the INLA ceasefire, and those ceasefires already being observed, to be maintained in word and deed," he said.
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Andrew Mackay said that while he welcomed the ceasefire announcement, the INLA would be judged "on its future actions and not mere words".
"Let us hope the dreadful killings in Omagh have really brought the INLA to its senses and that this ceasefire is for real." he added.
Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon commented that while the ceasefire was long overdue, anything which helped to bring peace and an end to suffering and death was "a very good thing".
'The people of Northern Ireland, of the whole island of Ireland, and all those who have suffered everywhere, want that peace and have said so very clearly," he said.
"They - and the people of Omagh most of all - deserve no less."
Mr Mallon noted the INLA statement recognised it couldn't ignore the results of the referendum.
"The statement recognises that the people have spoken clearly of their wishes. Let everyone honour and respect those wishes in every single way," he said.
Sinn Fein chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said any group not now on ceasefire should follow suit immediately in order to "allow the peace process to grow".
"It is now up to politicians to use the opportunity presented by another group declaring a ceasefire," he argued.
"The INLA announcement should encourage the political leaderships to forge ahead with the implementation of the changes which the people voted for in the Assembly elections."
The Workers Party also welcomed the ceasefire but said there should now be a "clear and unequivocal" statement from the INLA that its campaign of terrorism was over for good.
Families Against Intimidation and Terror echoed calls for the INLA's words to be backed up by deeds.
FAIT development officer Glyn Roberts said the terror group must now appoint a representative to deal with the decommissioning body and begin the process of handing in its arms.
"With all the main paramilitary groups now on ceasefire, we can hopefully start to work together to rebuild this society," he added.
Group says sorry for 'innocent victims' killed
By Damian McArdle
THE weekend announcement by the INLA of an end to its 23-year campaign of violence has been greeted cautiously.
The republican terror group apologised to its 'innocent victims" during Saturday's ceasefire declaration delivered via its political wing, the IRSP, during a press conference in west Belfast.
Welcoming the announcement. Political Development Minister Paul Murphy said there must now be a complete end to all violence.
"The suffering of the people of Omagh has underlined the need for the INLA ceasefire, and those ceasefires already being observed, to be maintained in word and deed," he said.
Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary Andrew Mackay said that while he welcomed the ceasefire announcement, the INLA would be judged "on its future actions and not mere words".
"Let us hope the dreadful killings in Omagh have really brought the INLA to its senses and that this ceasefire is for real." he added.
Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon commented that while the ceasefire was long overdue, anything which helped to bring peace and an end to suffering and death was "a very good thing".
'The people of Northern Ireland, of the whole island of Ireland, and all those who have suffered everywhere, want that peace and have said so very clearly," he said.
"They - and the people of Omagh most of all - deserve no less."
Mr Mallon noted the INLA statement recognised it couldn't ignore the results of the referendum.
"The statement recognises that the people have spoken clearly of their wishes. Let everyone honour and respect those wishes in every single way," he said.
Sinn Fein chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin said any group not now on ceasefire should follow suit immediately in order to "allow the peace process to grow".
"It is now up to politicians to use the opportunity presented by another group declaring a ceasefire," he argued.
"The INLA announcement should encourage the political leaderships to forge ahead with the implementation of the changes which the people voted for in the Assembly elections."
The Workers Party also welcomed the ceasefire but said there should now be a "clear and unequivocal" statement from the INLA that its campaign of terrorism was over for good.
Families Against Intimidation and Terror echoed calls for the INLA's words to be backed up by deeds.
FAIT development officer Glyn Roberts said the terror group must now appoint a representative to deal with the decommissioning body and begin the process of handing in its arms.
"With all the main paramilitary groups now on ceasefire, we can hopefully start to work together to rebuild this society," he added.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0244
Published Date: 24-Aug-98
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