Government Welcomes De Chastelain (IICD) report

The Government warmly welcomes today's report from the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD).

The IICD's confirmation that they have now witnessed an event, which they regard as significant, in which the IRA has put a quantity of arms completely beyond use, including arms, ammunition and explosives, represents unprecedented progress in the resolution of this issue. The Government expresses its deepest appreciation for the integrity and commitment the Commission has demonstrated in its tireless and painstaking efforts to fulfil its remit. Today's report reinforces and confirms the Government's view that it is only through the Commission that the putting of paramilitary arms beyond use can be achieved.

The terms of the Good Friday Agreement on the issue of decommissioning are clear, unambiguous and binding on all parties to it. The Government has consistently expressed the view that putting arms beyond use is but one of the essential elements in implementing the Good Friday Agreement.Today's historic developments are profoundly important. The Government recognises the full import of what this decision has meant to the leadership of the IRA and welcomes it as an historic and substantial contribution to the peace process.

This initiative has long been sought by many people and breaks the logjam in the peace process. This should be universally recognised and acted upon.It is essential that all aspects of the Agreement should now be implemented in full and on a sustained basis. We are confident that today's unparalleled breakthrough makes it not only possible but imperative for all to play their part fully in bringing about the full implementation of the Agreement. In particular, all parties to the Agreement must play their full part in the institutions and enable the other parties to play their rightful part, in accordance with the pledge of office. It is now time for democratic politics to be allowed to work.While there has been immense progress in many areas since April 1998, more remains to be done. Together with the British Government we will implement the Good Friday Agreement in full and what was set out by the two Governments following the Weston Park discussions.

This includes:-

  • further and speedy progress on the human rights and equality agenda in Northern Ireland
  • the achievement of a new beginning to policing on the basis set out in the Good Friday Agreement by implementing the Patten Report in full and amending legislation to meet these requirements
  • the implementation of legislation and other measures in respect of the justice system in Northern Ireland so that the system
  • delivers justice efficiently and effectively to the community through a fair and impartial system which encourages community involvement,- has the confidence of all parts of the community, and
  • is staffed in accordance with the rigorous application of the highest standards of fair employment and equality of opportunity for the community as a whole
  • a progressive rolling programme reducing levels of British troops and military installations in Northern Ireland
  • such steps as are necessary as soon as possible, and in any event before the end of the year, to resolve the difficulty in respect of supporters of organisations now on ceasefire against whom there are outstanding prosecutions and in some cases extradition proceedings for offences committed before 10 April, 1998.

The Government confirms that it is doing all that is in its power to advance comprehensively these matters.

Since it was agreed over three years ago, it has been clear that the Good Friday Agreement, which represents the democratic will of the people of this island, can replace conflict and strife with genuine partnership and equality.

We must collectively respond to and build upon this historic and important development. The implementation of the Good Friday Agreement in full can and will secure lasting peace on this island for this and future generations.

23 October 2001