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09/10/2007
Talks Hope On UDA Arms Deadline
It has emerged that 'meaningful' talks are taking place between the UDA and the decommissioning body, the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning.
NI Secretary Shaun Woodward has said the paramilitaries had begun 'meaningful' talks with the decommissioning body.
However, today's deadline on the decommissioning of UDA weapons set by Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie 60 days ago still stands as does her pledge to withhold £1.2m of funding in loyalist communities unless the group disarm in time.
Frankie Gallagher of the UDA-linked Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) said it was good pressure was being put on the paramilitary organisation to decommission, but pointed out that deadlines on these issues were rarely met by paramilitary groupings.
Mrs Ritchie is believed to be under pressure from direct rule ministers to compromise on her 60-day deadline, although Security Minister Paul Goggins insisted it is Mrs Ritchie's decision.
(BMcC/CD)
NI Secretary Shaun Woodward has said the paramilitaries had begun 'meaningful' talks with the decommissioning body.
However, today's deadline on the decommissioning of UDA weapons set by Social Development Minister, Margaret Ritchie 60 days ago still stands as does her pledge to withhold £1.2m of funding in loyalist communities unless the group disarm in time.
Frankie Gallagher of the UDA-linked Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) said it was good pressure was being put on the paramilitary organisation to decommission, but pointed out that deadlines on these issues were rarely met by paramilitary groupings.
Mrs Ritchie is believed to be under pressure from direct rule ministers to compromise on her 60-day deadline, although Security Minister Paul Goggins insisted it is Mrs Ritchie's decision.
(BMcC/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
