Posted on 07/28/2005 5:50:14 AM PDT by infocats
The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign.
This will take effect from 4pm this afternoon.
All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms. All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means. Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.
The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the IICD to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly as possible.
We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant and Catholic churches, to testify to this.
The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers.
We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions. We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was conducted.
The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy.
There is also widespread concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully engage in the peace process. This has created real difficulties.
The overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process.
They and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country.
It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination and courage. We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead, those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican base. We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate.
We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict. There is a compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace.
The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been raised with us. There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s.
There is also a universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms.
The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation.
We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere.
We are confident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our objectives.
Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have taken and all Óglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders.
There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy and goodwill which there is for the peace process. This comprehensive series of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland.
The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation.
Our decisions have been taken to advance our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united Ireland.
We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to end British rule in our country."
Veronica Guerin was also a fascinating film.
Though Cahill played a peripheral role in that one, he was probably one of the more interesting figures portrayed.
Plus, Cate Blanchett-who happens to be one of my favorite actresses-was in the starring role of that motion picture, so that's another good reason to see it.
In addition its phenomenal score.
At least the Orangemen aren't a terrorist organization.
Ulster Defense Force
Aren't/Weren't the UDF more of a training organization than an actual organization like the UVF, UFF, LVF, etc., that actively murdered people?
They'll just put it in the file next to all of the Barney Fife resignations.
I believe the film is based on his book. Oddly enough John Voight, the American actor, plays an Irish cop ... and does a decent job.
Veronica Guerin was also a fascinating film.
It was great!
Not true (kind of).
But let's define which IRA he/she is asking about - PIRA, RIRA, CIRA, INLA...?
GAH!
When good actors get bad scripts it can be deadly combination.
They didn't do to bad for themselves in the late 1960's and 1970's. Some could even fairly argue that they were in fact the training ground for the UDA, UVF, etc etc
"I think this conflict is going to be resolved by young people growing up and not carrying on the handed-down conflict."
Let's hope and pray that you are right.
They didn't exist until the late 80s.
Yes, I knew the origins of B&Ts. Thanks for the comments too, believe me I'm not defending the IRA.
Does this mean they're also going to stop sending recruits to al Qaeda- and Palestian-sponsored terrorist training camps?
I guess it takes a bunch of unwashed camel-jockeys to finally give terrorism a bad name.
Does this mean they're also going to stop sending recruits to al Qaeda- and Palestian-sponsored terrorist training camps?
I guess it takes a bunch of unwashed camel-jockeys to finally give terrorism a bad name.
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