Calls for UVF ceasefire to be re-examined

The Northern Ireland Secretary of State Dr John Reid is under pressure to re-examine the Ulster Volunteer Force’s ceasefire after a loyalist political leader indicated the group was in the process of rearming.

Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine said he believed the loyalist paramilitary group the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) is rearming.

The PUP leader, whose party has political links with the UVF, said paramilitaries were acting in response to claims of republican involvement in a break-in at Belfast's police headquarters in March and the training of rebel forces in Colombia.

He warned that support among loyalist organisation for the Good Friday Agreement was at an all time low.

The leader of the Alliance party, David Ford, has called on the Secretary of State to make a statement clarifying the state of the UVF ceasefire.

He said: “This news is very concerning, but I would urge caution so that we don't bring about an unnecessary crisis. If the PUP believe the UVF is re-arming, then it is vital the Secretary of State urgently clarifies the status of their ceasefire.

“It is clear that paramilitary activity on all sides has been continuing despite the ceasefires. What the Secretary of State needs to do is clarify whether certain activities constitute a breach of the ceasefire, and we can go forward from there.

“We believe all parties must live up to their obligations under the Agreement. That means decommissioning - not rearming.”

(AMcE)