‘Demand for humiliation’ holding up process: IRA

In a statement the IRA have said that any possibility of it “completely and verifiably” putting all its arms beyond use was being prevented because of “an unachievable demand for humiliation”.

In its New Year message published in today’s republican newspaper An Phoblacht, the paramilitary group said it was “prepared to make to a comprehensive agreement to resolve all outstanding issues” but that “pandering” by both the British and Irish governments to a “rejectionist approach by a unionist leader”, would not work and would not be accepted.

The statement continued: “We want to see peace on the island of Ireland and among all the Irish people. But a just and lasting peace is only possible on the basis of equality. The days of inequality and of discrimination are over. There must be an end to bigotry, sectarianism and racism.

“While a Peace Process can produce an accommodation, and the IRA is prepared to assist this process, Irish unity and independence provides the best context for the people of this island to live together in harmony and prosperity.”

The IRA statement ended by claiming “Irish unity and independence” would provide “the best context for the people of this island to live together in harmony and prosperity”.

(MB/SP)