Fifteenth IMC report published today

The 15th report by the Independent Monitoring Commission has been published today and has concentrated on the activities of paramilitary organisations.

According to the latest study, the Provisional IRA remains committed to politics and has continued to deteriorate its terrorist capability between December and February.

The four-member commission also said that while there is evidence senior UVF and UDA members are trying to move the organisations away from crime, it has taken too long.

It said that while the Ulster Defence Association did not engage in terrorist, racial or sectarian violence over the three-month period, senior UDA members profited from crime in black market activity in Northern Ireland.

Members of the organisation also took part in extortion, drug dealing and loan sharking, however the report noted signs of such activity beginning to drop in some areas.

The report also revealed that assaults carried out by the organisation generally related to internal dissent or anti-social behaviour.

Commenting on the report, Secretary of State, Peter Hain, said: “The IMC has welcomed the decision of the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis to support policing and noted the commitment of the IRA’s Easter statement to purely peaceful and democratic means and to the continuation of moves towards devolution following the March 26 breakthrough.

“The onus is now on loyalism to travel along this same road. It cannot afford to be left behind as politics in Northern Ireland has dramatically moved into a new era.

“The government has always said that those who want to move their communities away from conflict and out of the grip of paramilitaries should be encouraged.”

He also said that despite some notable successes by police north and south, the threat from dissident republicans remains.

He said: “These groups are ruthless and dangerous, and their intent to cause harm and destruction is undiminished. They will not, however, deter us from achieving political progress and long-term stability.”

(JM/KMcA)