Reid issues UDA with ceasefire warning

The Secretary of State Dr John Reid has announced that he will not be declaring the Ulster Defence Association ceasefire over, in light of a peace pledge made by the loyalist paramilitary group on Friday afternoon.

Describing the development, Dr Reid said he that had been ready to declare the UDA ceasefire over but decided otherwise after it was communicated to him that the group “recognised the damage their violence is doing” to the peace process.

However, he indicated if there were further reports of violence over the coming weekend he would move to specify that the UDA ceasefire is over.

Dr Reid said: “This is a wake up call for anyone who thinks they can drag Northern Ireland back into the chaos, violence and sectarian hatred of the past.

“My intention had been to come here tonight to specify the UDA and to declare their ceasefire over. Indeed I have in front of me the order I was to sign this evening.

“While I am deeply sceptical of any words emanating from this organisation, even at this eleventh hour I am prepared to put the UDA to the test. I will judge the UDA by its actions tonight, tomorrow night, and every night.”

The Secretary’s statement follows confirmation from RUC Chief Constable Sir Ronnie Flanagan that the UDA, the largest loyalist paramilitary group in the province, has been orchestrating many of the recent riots in north Belfast.

Mobs of loyalist rioters, who attacked the police on Cambrai Street off the Crumlin Road on Wednesday and Thursday night, were backed by gunmen firing automatic weapons.

Nearly 50 police officers have been injured during fierce street clashes as RUC officers sought to keep rival factions apart.

In a BBC interview on Friday, Sir Ronnie said: "I have no doubt that over the past two evenings individual members of the UVF have been involved, although we would have little doubt that the main organisation has been done by the UDA."

SDLP assembly member for North Belfast Alban Maginness welcomed the Secretary of State’s announcement, and said that he welcomed the decision, but felt that it was time that the Secretary adopted a get-tough policy with the UDA.

However, Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has said that Friday’s announcement was “pandering to the worst elements in unionism”. Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey also commented that he thought it was “remarkable” that the Secretary of State was prepared to “put his trust in the leadership of the UDA”.

He added that Dr Reid’s decision only served to continue to “promote the lie that the UDA were not orchestrating and carrying out the onslaught on the Catholic Community in North Belfast”. (AMcE)