INLA TRUCE EXPECTED SOONER RATHER THAN LATER
INLA truce expected sooner rather than later: IRSP
By Valerie Robinson
A MEMBER of the INLA's political wing last night predicted that the group would call a ceasefire "sooner rather than later".
Paul Little of the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) said he was "confident" that the group would soon end its campaign of violence.
But he denied that the group would make its decision on the basis of public opinion following the Omagh bombing.
"We have been holding talks since before last Christmas. There has been a lot of dialogue and discussion going on for a long time," said Mr Little.
He added that IRSP representatives had met with INLA prisoners on the Maze Prison 24 hours before the bomb attack in Omagh.
He also said the paramilitary organisation would not be influenced by Tuesday night's revelation by the Real IRAor Oglaigh na hEireann that they would suspend military activity.
"What the Real IRA do is up to themselves,"
Earlier this week, the IRSP urged the INLA to declare a ceasefire saying there was now no basis for a continuation of the armed struggle by Irish republicans.
Following the referendum results on the peace agreement the party urged the paramilitaries to put down their arms.
Mr Little last night said "the political climate has changed, The referendum result showed that people wish to see a peaceful way forward."
And he hoped for a true democracy In Northern Ireland which "protects and encourages people even of opposing opinions".
Mr Little stressed that the INLA was "Its own organisation" but he admitted that "In the past and all through the peace process they have agreed with our analysis".
And he said he was confident that INLA members were already considering a ceasefire.
"A lot of soul searching has had to go on."
By Valerie Robinson
A MEMBER of the INLA's political wing last night predicted that the group would call a ceasefire "sooner rather than later".
Paul Little of the Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) said he was "confident" that the group would soon end its campaign of violence.
But he denied that the group would make its decision on the basis of public opinion following the Omagh bombing.
"We have been holding talks since before last Christmas. There has been a lot of dialogue and discussion going on for a long time," said Mr Little.
He added that IRSP representatives had met with INLA prisoners on the Maze Prison 24 hours before the bomb attack in Omagh.
He also said the paramilitary organisation would not be influenced by Tuesday night's revelation by the Real IRAor Oglaigh na hEireann that they would suspend military activity.
"What the Real IRA do is up to themselves,"
Earlier this week, the IRSP urged the INLA to declare a ceasefire saying there was now no basis for a continuation of the armed struggle by Irish republicans.
Following the referendum results on the peace agreement the party urged the paramilitaries to put down their arms.
Mr Little last night said "the political climate has changed, The referendum result showed that people wish to see a peaceful way forward."
And he hoped for a true democracy In Northern Ireland which "protects and encourages people even of opposing opinions".
Mr Little stressed that the INLA was "Its own organisation" but he admitted that "In the past and all through the peace process they have agreed with our analysis".
And he said he was confident that INLA members were already considering a ceasefire.
"A lot of soul searching has had to go on."
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0101
Published Date: 20-Aug-98
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