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03/05/2007
UVF to assume 'non-military, civilianised' role
Loyalist paramiltary group, the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) is to renounce violence and is to cease to exist as a terrorist organisation, it has been announced.
In a statement, read by Gusty Spence, who helped form the modern-day UVF in 1966, it said the group will keep its weapons, but that they will be put “beyond reach”.
Speaking in Fernhill House in west Belfast today, Mr Spence said from midnight, the UVF and its associated group, the Red Hand Commando “will assume a non-military, civilianised role.”
The statement also announced recruitment, military training and targeting have stopped and all its so-called 'active service units' will be de-activated.
“We have taken the above measures in an earnest attempt to augment the return of accountable democracy to the people of Northern Ireland and, as such, to endanger confidence that the constitutional question has now been firmly been settled.
“In doing so, we reaffirm the legitimacy of our tactical nationalism, yet reiterate the sincere expression of abject and true remorse to all innocent victims of the conflict,” Mr Spence said.
The UVF declared a ceasefire nearly 14 years ago, shortly after the IRA’s first cessation. However, it has since been responsible for more than 20 murders.
The IRA declared an end to its campaign over two years ago.
While the statement regarding the UVF said the all weapons would be put beyond reach it did not elaborate on what this means.
Prime Minister Tony Blair’s official spokesman hailed the announcement, saying: “We welcome this announcement but as with statements from other paramilitary groups in the past we await to see it delivered in action.
“What is underlined however, once again, is that the peace process has worked.”
The Progressive Unionist Party’s Billy Hutchinson, said: “People should be seeing this as a positive thing rather than a negative thing.”
He also condemned any criminal activity by its members and they should “cooperate fully with the lawful authorities in all possible instances.”
PUP leader, Dawn Purvis met with the Northern Ireland Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain and the Taoiseach before today’s announcement.
(JM/SP)
In a statement, read by Gusty Spence, who helped form the modern-day UVF in 1966, it said the group will keep its weapons, but that they will be put “beyond reach”.
Speaking in Fernhill House in west Belfast today, Mr Spence said from midnight, the UVF and its associated group, the Red Hand Commando “will assume a non-military, civilianised role.”
The statement also announced recruitment, military training and targeting have stopped and all its so-called 'active service units' will be de-activated.
“We have taken the above measures in an earnest attempt to augment the return of accountable democracy to the people of Northern Ireland and, as such, to endanger confidence that the constitutional question has now been firmly been settled.
“In doing so, we reaffirm the legitimacy of our tactical nationalism, yet reiterate the sincere expression of abject and true remorse to all innocent victims of the conflict,” Mr Spence said.
The UVF declared a ceasefire nearly 14 years ago, shortly after the IRA’s first cessation. However, it has since been responsible for more than 20 murders.
The IRA declared an end to its campaign over two years ago.
While the statement regarding the UVF said the all weapons would be put beyond reach it did not elaborate on what this means.
Prime Minister Tony Blair’s official spokesman hailed the announcement, saying: “We welcome this announcement but as with statements from other paramilitary groups in the past we await to see it delivered in action.
“What is underlined however, once again, is that the peace process has worked.”
The Progressive Unionist Party’s Billy Hutchinson, said: “People should be seeing this as a positive thing rather than a negative thing.”
He also condemned any criminal activity by its members and they should “cooperate fully with the lawful authorities in all possible instances.”
PUP leader, Dawn Purvis met with the Northern Ireland Chief Constable, Sir Hugh Orde, Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain and the Taoiseach before today’s announcement.
(JM/SP)
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LVF to stand down members
Loyalist splinter group, the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF), has confirmed it is to stand down its members. The group said the decision was taken in response to the IRA move to decommission arms in September. The move comes a day after protestant churchman Mervyn Gibson said the loyalist feud, between the LVF and UVF, had "permanently ended".
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IMC blame UVF for five murders
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