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08/09/2009
Loyalist Decommissioning Move
All ranks of the UDA are committed to decommissioning, which could be completed by spring next year, the body set-up to oversee disarming has said.
The loyalist paramilitary group told the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) it would hand over all its weaponry by February next year.
In a report published today, the IICD said all UVF 'brigades' have now put their guns beyond use.
Cover organisation the Red Hand Commandos has also destroyed its weapons, a move first reported in June.
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has described the news as "hugely significant".
"The end is in sight for the decommissioning process," he said.
A small quantity of UDA armory was decommissioned in June amid concerns of a split within the organisation over the issue.
According to the IICD, there is no difference of opinion over disarming. The decommissioning body said it had met with the five main UDA 'brigades', who all supported progress.
The paramilitary group's leadership told IICD officials its would complete decommissioning within six month, which would coincide with Mr Woodward's February legislative deadline for disarming.
IICD officials also said the UDA's South East Antrim brigade, believed to be a break-away faction, is also committed to handing over its guns within the same time frame.
(PR/GK)
The loyalist paramilitary group told the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) it would hand over all its weaponry by February next year.
In a report published today, the IICD said all UVF 'brigades' have now put their guns beyond use.
Cover organisation the Red Hand Commandos has also destroyed its weapons, a move first reported in June.
Secretary of State Shaun Woodward has described the news as "hugely significant".
"The end is in sight for the decommissioning process," he said.
A small quantity of UDA armory was decommissioned in June amid concerns of a split within the organisation over the issue.
According to the IICD, there is no difference of opinion over disarming. The decommissioning body said it had met with the five main UDA 'brigades', who all supported progress.
The paramilitary group's leadership told IICD officials its would complete decommissioning within six month, which would coincide with Mr Woodward's February legislative deadline for disarming.
IICD officials also said the UDA's South East Antrim brigade, believed to be a break-away faction, is also committed to handing over its guns within the same time frame.
(PR/GK)
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