02/11/2001
US calls for loyalist paramilitaries to be outlawed
The American government has recommended outlawing a number of loyalist groups opposed to the Belfast Agreement.
The groups named are the Loyalist Volunteer Force, Orange Volunteers and Red Hand Defenders.
US Attorney-General John Ashcroft asked for the move in the wake of new anti-terrorist legislation passed following the September 11th attacks on America. The groups will be banned from fundraising and under the new law non-American supporters can have their visas withdrawn and be deported if they are found to be backing them.
The designations has to be approved by US Secretary of State Colin Powell and are predicted to be given the go ahead next week. American banks will also be ordered to freeze all assets belonging to the group once the order goes ahead.
In a letter to the US Secretary of State, Mr Ashcroft said: “The president's executive order finds that these organisations commit, or provide material support for, terrorist acts, and thus satisfies the statutory predicate for your designation.”
Two weeks ago, the NI Secretary of State Dr John Reid declared the ceasefires of the UVF, LVF, and UFF ended. His decision to specify the groups comes in the wake of the murder of Northern Ireland investigative reporter Martin O'Hagan near his home in Lurgan, Co Armagh.
Mr O'Hagan’s murder - the responsibility of which was claimed by the LVF - worked for the northern edition of the Dublin-based Sunday World. (AMcE)
The groups named are the Loyalist Volunteer Force, Orange Volunteers and Red Hand Defenders.
US Attorney-General John Ashcroft asked for the move in the wake of new anti-terrorist legislation passed following the September 11th attacks on America. The groups will be banned from fundraising and under the new law non-American supporters can have their visas withdrawn and be deported if they are found to be backing them.
The designations has to be approved by US Secretary of State Colin Powell and are predicted to be given the go ahead next week. American banks will also be ordered to freeze all assets belonging to the group once the order goes ahead.
In a letter to the US Secretary of State, Mr Ashcroft said: “The president's executive order finds that these organisations commit, or provide material support for, terrorist acts, and thus satisfies the statutory predicate for your designation.”
Two weeks ago, the NI Secretary of State Dr John Reid declared the ceasefires of the UVF, LVF, and UFF ended. His decision to specify the groups comes in the wake of the murder of Northern Ireland investigative reporter Martin O'Hagan near his home in Lurgan, Co Armagh.
Mr O'Hagan’s murder - the responsibility of which was claimed by the LVF - worked for the northern edition of the Dublin-based Sunday World. (AMcE)
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09 April 2002
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18 June 2009
Loyalists Groups Begin Disarming
The UVF and UDA have reportedly begun decommissioning their weapons. It is believed the other loyalist paramilitaries are also preparing to put arms beyond use. Senior sources within the organisations said the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) has carried out a significant act of decommissioning.
Loyalists Groups Begin Disarming
The UVF and UDA have reportedly begun decommissioning their weapons. It is believed the other loyalist paramilitaries are also preparing to put arms beyond use. Senior sources within the organisations said the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) has carried out a significant act of decommissioning.
07 February 2006
Finucane family anger following Hain meeting
The family of murdered North Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane met with Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain today as they continued to seek a full public inquiry into loyalist collusion with police and the British army in the 17-year-old murder case.
Finucane family anger following Hain meeting
The family of murdered North Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane met with Northern Ireland Secretary of State Peter Hain today as they continued to seek a full public inquiry into loyalist collusion with police and the British army in the 17-year-old murder case.
28 September 2001
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.
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.
25 June 2001
SECRETARY OF STATE TAKES TOUGH STANCE
SECRETARY of State, Dr John Reid, has suspended the licence of prominent Shankill loyalist Gary Smith. Mr Smith, released in September 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement early release scheme, was arrested on Monday, was taken to Maghaberry Prison were fellow loyalist prisoner Johnny Adair is currently being held.
SECRETARY OF STATE TAKES TOUGH STANCE
SECRETARY of State, Dr John Reid, has suspended the licence of prominent Shankill loyalist Gary Smith. Mr Smith, released in September 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement early release scheme, was arrested on Monday, was taken to Maghaberry Prison were fellow loyalist prisoner Johnny Adair is currently being held.
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