BLAIR, AHERN PLEDGE OVER THREATS
Blair, Ahern pledge over threats
By Desmond McCartan
TONY Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern have voiced their "regret" that efforts to bring the Omagh bombers to justice have failed so far.And, in a joint statement marking the second anniversary of the outrage, both prime ministers promised to co-operate in counter-measures to thwart the continuing threat from the Real IRA.
They described the Omagh bombing as one of the darkest episodes in the history of the Troubles.
"On this day in 1998, terrorists from the Real IRA planted a bomb that killed 29 people.
"The intention of the bombers was to stoke up conflict and use violence to bring down the Good Friday Agreement, against the expressed wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people of Ireland, north and south."
Referring to last week's capture of a bomb thought to have been intended for an attack in Londonderry at the time of the Apprentice Boys' parade, they added: "The two governments and the political parties in Northern Ireland are continuing to build a society based on democracy and justice. "The authorities, they went on, would continue to pursue those responsible for the deadly attack.
"Despite intensive investigation on both sides of the border, that has been a model of co-operation be-tween the RUC and the Garda, it remains a matter of regret that there have not yet been more charges. "Justice demands that all those responsible for the horror that was Omagh are brought before the courts and, to that end, we call on anyone with fresh information about the atrocity to come forward."
Both governments were resolute in their commitments against violence.
By Desmond McCartan
TONY Blair and his Irish counterpart Bertie Ahern have voiced their "regret" that efforts to bring the Omagh bombers to justice have failed so far.And, in a joint statement marking the second anniversary of the outrage, both prime ministers promised to co-operate in counter-measures to thwart the continuing threat from the Real IRA.
They described the Omagh bombing as one of the darkest episodes in the history of the Troubles.
"On this day in 1998, terrorists from the Real IRA planted a bomb that killed 29 people.
"The intention of the bombers was to stoke up conflict and use violence to bring down the Good Friday Agreement, against the expressed wishes of the overwhelming majority of the people of Ireland, north and south."
Referring to last week's capture of a bomb thought to have been intended for an attack in Londonderry at the time of the Apprentice Boys' parade, they added: "The two governments and the political parties in Northern Ireland are continuing to build a society based on democracy and justice. "The authorities, they went on, would continue to pursue those responsible for the deadly attack.
"Despite intensive investigation on both sides of the border, that has been a model of co-operation be-tween the RUC and the Garda, it remains a matter of regret that there have not yet been more charges. "Justice demands that all those responsible for the horror that was Omagh are brought before the courts and, to that end, we call on anyone with fresh information about the atrocity to come forward."
Both governments were resolute in their commitments against violence.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0751
Published Date: 15-Aug-00
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