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27/06/2007
Status of UVF ceasefire to be reviewed
The Secretary of State Peter Hain has ordered a review of the Ulster Volunteer Force’s ceasefire.
Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde will carry out the reappraisal following the loyalist group’s statement last month that it was abandoning violence.
It is understood the report will be complete by the autumn and will also include the assessment of the Independent Monitoring Commission.
Peter Hain said: “We have always maintained that we will encourage and support those who want to work to a positive agenda.
“The UVF statement on May 3 is a welcoming manifestation of a commitment to use exclusively peaceful means.
“It is vital that this positive statement is followed through actions, and this is why I have commissioned a review of the status of specified and other paramilitary organisations, in line with my obligations under the legislation.”
On May 3, the UVF said it was renouncing violence. In a statement, the leadership said they were keeping their weapons, but putting them beyond reach.
However, the arms decommissioning body led by Canadian General de Chastelain has said this did not meet requirements set out in legislation.
During the Troubles in Northern Ireland, more than 500 people were murdered by the UVF.
(JM)
Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde will carry out the reappraisal following the loyalist group’s statement last month that it was abandoning violence.
It is understood the report will be complete by the autumn and will also include the assessment of the Independent Monitoring Commission.
Peter Hain said: “We have always maintained that we will encourage and support those who want to work to a positive agenda.
“The UVF statement on May 3 is a welcoming manifestation of a commitment to use exclusively peaceful means.
“It is vital that this positive statement is followed through actions, and this is why I have commissioned a review of the status of specified and other paramilitary organisations, in line with my obligations under the legislation.”
On May 3, the UVF said it was renouncing violence. In a statement, the leadership said they were keeping their weapons, but putting them beyond reach.
However, the arms decommissioning body led by Canadian General de Chastelain has said this did not meet requirements set out in legislation.
During the Troubles in Northern Ireland, more than 500 people were murdered by the UVF.
(JM)
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