IRA statement in full...

Unusually the following IRA statement was read out by by a former IRA prisoner, and apparently was not signed "P. O'Neill"...



"The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the

armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm [16.00 BST] this afternoon.

All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms.

All volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely

political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means.

Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.

The IRA leadership has also authorised our representative to engage with the

IICD to complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way

which will further enhance public confidence and to conclude this as quickly

as possible. We have invited two independent witnesses, from the Protestant

and Catholic churches, to testify to this.

The Army Council took these decisions following an unprecedented internal

discussion and consultation process with IRA units and Volunteers.

We appreciate the honest and forthright way in which the consultation

process was carried out and the depth and content of the submissions. We are proud of the comradely way in which this truly historic discussion was

conducted.

The outcome of our consultations show very strong support among IRA

Volunteers for the Sinn Féin peace strategy. There is also widespread

concern about the failure of the two governments and the unionists to fully

engage in the peace process. This has created real difficulties. The

overwhelming majority of people in Ireland fully support this process. They

and friends of Irish unity throughout the world want to see the full

implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Notwithstanding these difficulties our decisions have been taken to advance

our republican and democratic objectives, including our goal of a united

Ireland. We believe there is now an alternative way to achieve this and to

end British rule in our country.

It is the responsibility of all Volunteers to show leadership, determination

and courage. We are very mindful of the sacrifices of our patriot dead,

those who went to jail, Volunteers, their families and the wider republican

base. We reiterate our view that the armed struggle was entirely legitimate.

We are conscious that many people suffered in the conflict. There is a

compelling imperative on all sides to build a just and lasting peace.

The issue of the defence of nationalist and republican communities has been

raised with us. There is a responsibility on society to ensure that there is

no re-occurrence of the pogroms of 1969 and the early 1970s. There is also a

universal responsibility to tackle sectarianism in all its forms.

The IRA is fully committed to the goals of Irish unity and independence and

to building the Republic outlined in the 1916 Proclamation.

We call for maximum unity and effort by Irish republicans everywhere. We areconfident that by working together Irish republicans can achieve our

objectives.

Every Volunteer is aware of the import of the decisions we have

taken and all Óglaigh are compelled to fully comply with these orders.

There is now an unprecedented opportunity to utilise the considerable energy

and goodwill which there is for the peace process. This comprehensive series

of unparalleled initiatives is our contribution to this and to the continued

endeavours to bring about independence and unity for the people of Ireland."