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17/07/2002
Trimble calls for caution over IRA apology
David Trimble has issued a warning over yesterday's IRA apology statement, saying that the government could create a "dangerous situation" if it uses it to absolve its responsibility to the province in the event of IRA ceasefire breaches.
In a statement carried in the republican newspaper An Phoblacht on Tuesday, the IRA apologised to the civilian victims and relatives of its campaign of violence, on the anniversary of one of the province's worst terrorist atrocities.
The statement was welcomed – albeit cautiously – by most political parties, with a spokesperson for the Prime Minister describing it as "useful", while Northern Ireland Secretary, De John Reid, called it "an apology of unprecedented strength".
However, speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Trimble said that it was "significant" that the statement made no reference of more recent violence that the IRA had played a hand in, and nothing referring to what "their future conduct would be".
However, Mr Trimble's fears were refuted by Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuinness, who is currently on a visit to the US. Speaking to the BBC, he said that the statement provided a "powerful contribution" to the peace process, adding that he realised there would be "a minority" who would remain sceptical about the move. (CL)
In a statement carried in the republican newspaper An Phoblacht on Tuesday, the IRA apologised to the civilian victims and relatives of its campaign of violence, on the anniversary of one of the province's worst terrorist atrocities.
The statement was welcomed – albeit cautiously – by most political parties, with a spokesperson for the Prime Minister describing it as "useful", while Northern Ireland Secretary, De John Reid, called it "an apology of unprecedented strength".
However, speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Mr Trimble said that it was "significant" that the statement made no reference of more recent violence that the IRA had played a hand in, and nothing referring to what "their future conduct would be".
However, Mr Trimble's fears were refuted by Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuinness, who is currently on a visit to the US. Speaking to the BBC, he said that the statement provided a "powerful contribution" to the peace process, adding that he realised there would be "a minority" who would remain sceptical about the move. (CL)
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18 April 2003
Adams claims IRA response is ‘unparalleled’
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UUP called IRA bluff claims Trimble
UUP leader, David Trimble, has claimed that his party called the IRA's bluff by proving that they "were not prepared to engage in acts of completion".
UUP called IRA bluff claims Trimble
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Remaining rather cloudy. The afternoon showers in the west ease during the late evening, before building again overnight. Some clearer spells for a time in the east before cloud builds around dawn. Light winds. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
