IMC reports broadly 'favourable' changes

The Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) has has today released its 11th report which has focused mainly on the recent security matters in Northern Ireland.

The report stated that the IRA is firmly committed to following a political path and is no longer engaged in terrorist activity, however it added that although the organisation still had a command and control structure, this was vital for keeping on a peaceful path.

The report said that it was dissident republicans that posed a higher threat to society, even though loyalists remained involved in violence. It also expressed concern about the UVF's refusal to clarify its position on decommissioning ahead of the November 24 devolution deadline.

The IMC gave a positive verdict on the IRA saying that the organisation was not engaged in any terrorist activity, including procuring weapons or training members, and added that they believe the IRA leadership is opposed to the use of violence in community control and has taken a stance against criminality.

Today's report also commented on the "normalisation" of security measures in the province and said the Army and police had met the provisions of the demilitarisation process. It stated that all remaining watchtowers had been demolished in South Armagh, and troops had been withdrawn from two more police stations as well as troop levels being reduced.

The report also noted the defortification of existing police buildings, and the style of construction of new buildings in line with the recommendations made in the Patten Report.

Mention was also made of the progress being made by the PSNI in introducing new patrolling patterns, saying that the most striking recent development was the way in which the July 12 parades were policed without the need for military assistance.

Secretary of State Peter Hain welcomed the report as clearly showing Northern Ireland was changing for the better.

He said: "The report recognises both the dramatic changes that have been made to the security apparatus in Northern Ireland, and that these changes are commensurate with the threat and consistent with the Government's responsibility for public protection.

"Clearly everyone in Northern Ireland is awaiting the IMC`s next report on paramilitary activity but, even without that report, it is clear that a dramatic shift has occurred in the threat posed by paramilitaries in Northern Ireland."

The Secretary of State concluded: "This is a great prize for the people of Northern Ireland, and the Government will continue to meet its commitments to normalise security arrangements as long as the appropriate enabling environment exists."

The Independent Monitoring Commission was set up by the British and Irish governments in January 7 2004.

Its purpose is to help promote the establishment of stable and inclusive devolved government in a peaceful Northern Ireland.

(EF/SP)