CEASEFIRE IS GENUINE SAY INLA KILLERS
CEASEFIRE IS GENUINE SAY INLA KILLERS
By JOHN BRESLIN
HARDLINE republicans the INLA yesterday called off their murder gangs after declaring a "complete ceasefire".
The group stated that the decision was taken because the "people of the island of Ireland have spoken clearly of their wishes."
But the statement fell far short of declaring that the "war is over" for them, although it did say that the "armed struggle can never be the only option." It was denied that the decision was taken because of the Omagh bombing, or as an attempt at early release of prisoners.
Errors
But the IRSP said they will be pushing for the INLA to be included in the list of organisations whose members are eligible for early release.
That will include Christopher 'Clip' McWilliams, who is alleged to have killed Billy Wright, but who has yet to stand trial.
The statement did not refer to the handover of arms, but the IRSP confirmed they had appointed an intermediary to the decommissioning body.
They admitted "faults and grievous errors", which led to the deaths or injuries of innocent people.
"For this we offer a sincere, heartfelt and genuine apology," the statement read.
But the organisation added: "We have nothing to apologise for in taking the war to the British and their loyalist henchmen."
The organisation referred to the bitter feud which claimed the lives of, among others, leader Gino Gallagher and nine year-old Barbara
McAlorum. "It was never our intention, desire or wish to become embroiled in sectarian or internecine war fare," it read.
The IRSP said they welcomed what was described as a "genuine and sincere ceasefire".
But they added that the political fight would continue against the Good Friday Agreement, and for a 32 county socialist republic.
Meanwhile, the party has denied reports of defections to the Real IRA.
It has been claimed that a number of members from the Dundalk area have joined with the renegade republicans.
But IRSP prisons' spokesman, Willie Gallagher, said: "We are quite confident that the INLA is completely united."
By JOHN BRESLIN
HARDLINE republicans the INLA yesterday called off their murder gangs after declaring a "complete ceasefire".
The group stated that the decision was taken because the "people of the island of Ireland have spoken clearly of their wishes."
But the statement fell far short of declaring that the "war is over" for them, although it did say that the "armed struggle can never be the only option." It was denied that the decision was taken because of the Omagh bombing, or as an attempt at early release of prisoners.
Errors
But the IRSP said they will be pushing for the INLA to be included in the list of organisations whose members are eligible for early release.
That will include Christopher 'Clip' McWilliams, who is alleged to have killed Billy Wright, but who has yet to stand trial.
The statement did not refer to the handover of arms, but the IRSP confirmed they had appointed an intermediary to the decommissioning body.
They admitted "faults and grievous errors", which led to the deaths or injuries of innocent people.
"For this we offer a sincere, heartfelt and genuine apology," the statement read.
But the organisation added: "We have nothing to apologise for in taking the war to the British and their loyalist henchmen."
The organisation referred to the bitter feud which claimed the lives of, among others, leader Gino Gallagher and nine year-old Barbara
McAlorum. "It was never our intention, desire or wish to become embroiled in sectarian or internecine war fare," it read.
The IRSP said they welcomed what was described as a "genuine and sincere ceasefire".
But they added that the political fight would continue against the Good Friday Agreement, and for a 32 county socialist republic.
Meanwhile, the party has denied reports of defections to the Real IRA.
It has been claimed that a number of members from the Dundalk area have joined with the renegade republicans.
But IRSP prisons' spokesman, Willie Gallagher, said: "We are quite confident that the INLA is completely united."
Further Information
Publisher: SUNDAY LIFE
Ref: SL/053
Published Date: 23-Aug-98
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