For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 26, 2005
U.S. Response to IRA Statement on Decommissioning
We welcome today's statement by the Independent International Commission on
Decommissioning (IICD) that the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) has
comprehensively and verifiably disarmed. This announcement marks an
historic day for Northern Ireland and is extremely encouraging for all
those who support the peace process, the rule of law, and a Northern
Ireland free from sectarian violence. It also marks an opportunity for all
parties to renew efforts to reach a sustainable political settlement in
Northern Ireland.
President Bush commends the efforts of General John de Chastelain and his
fellow IICD commissioners, and applauds the efforts of Sinn Fein in
bringing the republican community to this moment.
The United States calls on all other paramilitary groups in Northern
Ireland, whether loyalist or republican, to engage with the IICD to bring
about total decommissioning at the earliest possible date.
The IRA's decommissioning is a critical first step in fulfilling the terms
of the IRA's July 28 statement to pursue its goals through exclusively
peaceful and democratic means. The IRA's laudable decommissioning must be
followed by actions demonstrating the republican movement's unequivocal
commitment to the rule of law and to the renunciation of all paramilitary
and criminal activities. The United States further calls on Sinn Fein, the
IRA, and all republicans to fully support the police service.
The United States remains steadfast in its support for the peace process
and the work of the British and Irish Governments to achieve lasting peace
and reconciliation for the people of Northern Ireland under the principles
of the Good Friday Agreement.
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