02/11/2009

'Disappeared' Recognised At Stormont

Shortly after the official number of Troubles-related 'Disappeared' rose by one, the families of all 14 people who were abducted, murdered and secretly buried by republicans have been hosted at the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The DUP MLA for South Antrim, William McCrea welcomed the visitors and used the occasion to once again call for anyone with information about the location of victims' remains to come forward and share it with the police and Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains.

Speaking today, the DUP MP said: "It was a solemn and reflective few minutes when I walked with the families of those whose remains have never been recovered for the laying of a sole wreath on Stormont's steps."

The family of west Belfast man Peter Wilson joined other relatives of the Disappeared in laying a wreath at Stormont.

Three of Mr Wilson's five sisters took part in the ceremony on Monday morning.

Last week, it emerged Mr Wilson was being added to the list of names registered with the Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains.

The 21-year-old, who had learning difficulties, went missing from his home in west Belfast, in 1973.

At the weekend, the republican leadership moved to distance the IRA from Mr Wilson's disappearance and insisted that it was not responsible.

However, the IRA has publicly said it was involved in nine of the killings, but has not admitted a role in the others.

The extra name being added to the grim toll means that the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains is now also investigating his disappearance.

Mr McCrea - addressing the victims' families - said: "These people require and deserve the support of everyone in Northern Ireland.

"I am making an appeal to anyone who might have information about the location of these remains to come forward.

"The pain and anguish of never being able to give their murdered relatives a proper burial is never-ending.

"We desire to move Northern Ireland forward, but we must never forget those who have suffered and we must do all we can to assist the family members of the people who were murdered and buried in secret locations," he continued.

One of Mr Wilson's sisters, Anne Connolly, said the family just wanted his remains returned.

"We hope and pray that through the work of the Disappeared Commission, the remains of our dear brother will be returned to us for burial," she said.

(BMcC/KMcA)

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