From: "Stasi" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Peoples War" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [Peoples War] Sinn Fein International Department: Extended Week in Review Sinn F�in International Department ======================= Extended week in review ------------------------- 1-24 August 2001 Sinn F�in initial response to government's package ================================== At the beginning of the month Sinn F�in President Gerry Adams MP gave an initial response to the proposals issued by the British and Irish governments on 1 August. Speaking the same day, he said: `The governments promised at the end of the Weston Park talks to bring forward a final package for the full and early implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. That is the context in which we will form our view of this mornings proposals. We will put them to the text of the Good Friday Agreement. In this Agreement these matters, that is policing, the political institutions, demilitarisation, the arms issue, human rights, the justice system and the equality agenda, are stand-alone issues. These are issues to be resolved in their own right. Moreover the democratic rights and entitlements of nationalists and republicans cannot be conditional. These rights are universal rights and they benefit everyone. Our approach will be to engage constructively to see if what is currently proposed has the potential to finally implement the Good Friday Agreement, as promised by the two governments. That process requires the government to provide and make public the details of what they are proposing.' Ard Chomhairle Raise Concerns Speaking after a meeting of the Sinn F�in Ard Chomhairle, which met on 3 August in County Louth, party President Gerry Adams said that the meeting had called for the two governments to publicize immediately the details of their proposals, including the revised implementation plan on policing, the legislative amendments to the Policing Act and the implementation plan to deliver a fair and impartial system of justice. He said `The governments explicitly recognize that the Good Friday Agreement has not been implemented thus far. This is a good development. We welcome that. The proposals provide a basis for further progress if the governments have the will to proceed. On Wednesday when Sinn F�in received the proposals from the two governments we said our approach would be to engage constructively to see if these have the potential as promised by the two governments to deliver the full and early implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.' For a full assessment, he said, the government had to provide and make public the details of the proposals. He added that concerns were raised on a number of issues, policing and demilitarization: `The British government has promised to publish the revised implementation plan on policing, including the detailed legislative amendments to the Police Act. They have promised to publish the draft legislation and implementation plan to deliver the fair and impartial system of justice required by the Agreement. They have yet to do so. The governments' proposals are also short on time frames, dates, and completion deadlines, He said that an Ard Chomhairle delegation would meet with the British Secretary of State, John Reid the following day. He added: `The Ard Chomhairle calls on the UUP to fill the position of First Minister and to end their unlawful veto on the institutions.' Rejection of IICD report hinders potential for full and early implementation of Agreement =========================================================== Speaking at a press conference on 7 August, Sinn F�in Chief negotiator, Mid-Ulster MP Martin McGuinness said: `David Trimble's rejection of yesterday's historic report and determination from the IICD that the IRA has "initiated a process to put arms completely and verifiably beyond use", hinders the potential for the full and early implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. It is a grievous error of judgement. Instead of grasping this unique opportunity Mr. Trimble, who in recent months had appeared to accept that this issue should be left to the IICD, has chosen to undermine the role of IICD by rejecting their determination. Either the IICD has responsibility for this matter, as set out in the Good Friday Agreement, or it does not. The two governments have to defend the Agreement. David Trimble has also upped the ante on other issues. Now he is attempting to reduce nationalist support for policing to a precondition before he will support the political institutions. Acceptable, accountable and representative policing is a right and entitlement not a concession to be reduced to a bargaining chip by David Trimble. There are those within the British government and elsewhere who have argued that David Trimble is for the Agreement but has a problem with the issue of arms. Increasingly, in my view David Trimble's problem is with the entire process and the Agreement and in coming to terms with change.' He further said that David Trimble's strategy was geared towards minimising and diluting the potential of the Good Friday Agreement, evidenced in his rejection of key elements of the Good Friday Agreement. Since the signing of the Agreement David Trimble has: * Voted against legislation on prisoner releases * Rejected the Patten Report * Rejected the determination of the IICD * sought the removal of the Human Rights Commissioner * Been found guilty of acting illegally in refusing to allow Sinn F�in Ministers to fulfil their roles * Opposed demilitarisation * Rejected the political institutions He called upon the British government to `stop pandering to David Trimble and start defending the Good Friday Agreement.' Publication of implementation plans urged ============================ Speaking on 5 August Sinn F�in Chief Whip and West Belfast Assembly member Alex Maskey said that the 'Way Forward' proposals produced by Dublin and London could only be judged in tandem with the publication of the revised implementation plans on policing, demilitarisation and the justice system. He said that Sinn Fein were concerned at the apparent change in approach, particularly by the British government, in making public the revised implementation plans on policing and demilitarisation: `Last Wednesday there was a clear commitment to make public the revised implementations plans but, after meeting John Reid on Saturday, it seems that the British government has decided to back track on this. This is a mistake because the proposals can only be judged against the publication of these revised implementation plans. The proposals and the revised implementation plans will be judged on their ability to ensure that we finally get the necessary legislation and political will to make a start to the new beginning in policing, to demilitarisation and the review of the justice system. The implementation plans need to be made public in order to test the key 'how and when' questions, specifically in relation to the new police service becoming representative, the authority of the policing boards, plastic bullets, and the Special Branch, as well as demilitarisation. All these issues need resolving because they run to the core of the peace process and it is time that everyone accepted that these issues represent entitlements and rights not privileges that can be withheld or manipulated.' Sinn F�in response to the British and Irish government proposals =========================================== Speaking at a press conference on 8 August Sinn F�in Chief Whip Alex Maskey MLA said, `The proposals put forward by the two governments explicitly recognise that the Good Friday Agreement has not been implemented thus far. This is an important development. The proposals put forward by the two governments provide a basis for progress if the governments have the political will to proceed. Deficiencies continue to exist between the Agreement and the government's position. In the short term the matter for Sinn F�in to decide on is whether to nominate to the Policing Board. Sinn F�in will not nominate representatives to sit on the Policing Board at this time. Neither will we call on people to join or support this force. We will only be in a position to decide positively on these issues when the British government have closed the gap between their proposals and the requirements of the Good Friday Agreement. In conclusion the governments proposals provide a basis for progress if the governments have the will to proceed. We call on the UUP to fill the position of First Minister and to end their unlawful veto on the institutions. We call on the pro-agreement parties to work together to resolve these current difficulties. In particular, we call upon both governments to defend and implement the Agreement.' Full text of the Sinn Fein response: ======================= Sinn F�in is totally committed to full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement in all its aspects and in the terms agreed. The Governments explicitly recognise that the Good Friday Agreement has not been implemented this far. That is a good development. We welcome that. At our Ard Chomhairle meeting last Friday Sinn F�in acknowledged that notwithstanding our reservations on a number of key areas, the proposals from the two governments provide a basis for further progress if the governments have the political will to proceed. We spelt out plainly where deficiencies continue to exist between the Agreement and the government's position. These include policing, demilitarisation, the justice system and the political institutions. The IICD ======= Sinn F�in fully supports the section of the Good Friday Agreement on the issue of decommissioning. Indeed our position on the issue of arms is much more advanced. We therefore welcome the report from the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD). This report marks a huge historical breakthrough in its determination that the IRA's representative's proposal 'initiates a process that will put IRA arms completely and verifiably beyond use'. The two governments, the UUP and other parties, should grasp the new opportunity that this unprecedented statement from the IICD creates. We should all now move speedily towards the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Once again the IRA has demonstrated its commitment to the search for a lasting peace. The other parties need to match that commitment and should respond positively and constructively. The IICD and the armed groups should be allowed to get on with the job of resolving the issue of arms. Policing and Justice ============= Sinn F�in is fully committed to achieving a civic police service, which is accountable, representative of the community it polices and free from partisan political control. In the short term the matter for Sinn F�in to decide upon is whether to nominate to the Policing Board. Sinn F�in will not nominate representatives to sit on the policing board at this time. Neither will we call upon people to join or support this force. We will only be in a position to decide positively on these issues when the British government have closed the gap between their proposals and the requirements of the Good Friday Agreement. On Saturday, 4 August, a party delegation met with the British Secretary of State, John Reid. Although some progress has been made the gap between the British government's policing plan and their declared objective of implementing the Patten recommendations and the requirements of the Good Friday Agreement remain significant. The British government has committed itself to publishing a revised implementation plan on policing. They have not done this. This needs to happen. This is the people's agreement. They need to see what is being proposed on policing. They need to see that legislative amendments which the British government intends to make to its Police Act. Three years on from the signing of the Good Friday Agreement we have yet to see the British government's implementation plan and draft legislation for the reform of the criminal justice system. This is germane to the creation of an acceptable policing service. The British government has committed itself to publishing these in the future. The sooner, obviously, the better so that the electorate and their representatives can see what is being proposed. Inquiries ====== There has been considerable controversy over the killing of Pat Finucane, Rosemary Nelson and Robert Hamill and there has been a campaign by their families for a full independent judicial inquiry into each case. Sinn F�in has refused to make these high profile cases a matter for bargaining or bartering in negotiations on policing. Our position on this issue mirrors that of the families - there should be a full, independent, judicial inquiry into each case and it should be initiated immediately. These families, and all others in that position, have the right to the truth. Demilitarisation ========== While the British government's position on demilitarisation falls short of what we believe is required, the British government should move ahead anyway to do what it has said it will do. Conclusion ======= As stated, the government's proposals provide a basis for further progress if the government's have the will to proceed. We will therefore call on the UUP to fill the position of First Minister and to end their unlawful veto on the institutions. We call upon the pro-agreement parties to work together to resolve these current difficulties. In particular, we call upon both governments to defend and implement the Good Friday Agreement. Historic IRA initiative - statement in full =========================== In a statement received by An Phoblacht on Wednesday night, 8 August, the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann stated: `On 8 March 2001 the IRA leadership reestablished contact with the IICD. Since then the IRA representative has met with the IICD eight times. As a result of these discussions we can confirm that the IRA leadership has agreed a scheme with the IICD which will put IRA arms completely and verifiably beyond use. We note the ongoing attempts in some quarters to prevent progress. They should not be permitted to succeed. Our representative will continue to meet with the IICD. The IRA leadership will continue to monitor political developments.' P O'Neill, Irish Republican Publicity Bureau, Dublin. Unionist leadership failing to grasp opportunities ================================= Speaking on 9 August Sinn F�in Chief Whip Alex Maskey welcomed the statement from the IRA as confirmation of their commitment to the search for a lasting peace. Mr. Maskey said: `In the space of a week we have had an historic determination from the IICD that the IRA have put forward a proposal that 'initiates a process that will put IRA arms completely and verifiably beyond use' and a statement from the IRA. Despite the rejection of this breakthrough report from the IICD by David Trimble, today's statement from the IRA is confirmation, if any was needed, of their commitment to the search for a lasting peace. The rejection by David Trimble of these two hugely significant steps is an enormous mistake. David Trimble's failure to grasp the opportunity created by the IICD's determination and his introduction of a new precondition on policing demonstrates that the UUP leadership has a problem with the entire political process. David Trimble set out his objective of creating crisis and suspension of the institutions last October. We need to reflect on what this approach can achieve. There is a responsibility on everyone who signed up to the Good Friday Agreement, but particularly the British government to defend the Agreement and move the situation forward. Nationalist rights held to ransom ====================== Sinn F�in Chief negotiator Martin McGuinness MP MLA speaking at a press conference on 10 Augusht said: `This week, which started with a ground breaking statement from the IICD, appears to be going to end with the suspension of the political institutions. But no-one should consider that the institutions can simply be suspended at the behest of David Trimble and then return in the weeks or months ahead to all of the other issues without considering the effects of these actions. The only option for a British government which is wedded to the Good Friday Agreement is to let Agreement takes it's course. Gerry Adams made this clear to the British Secretary of State John Reid yesterday. If the British government takes the Mandelson route then it will again be in breach of the Agreement. The British government will be preventing Unionism from facing up to its responsibilities, and worse rewarding them for it. It could be that Dr Reid will ignore this advice. But if the British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Dr. Reid suspend the people's institutions, even for a day, they should first calculate the effect this will have on nationalists and republicans. If it becomes clear that the price for the institutions is that nationalist rights are to be filtered through unionism; or that the former First Minister will be rewarded for acting unlawfully; or if the British government moves away from the contract they agreed on the Good Friday Agreement three years ago, then come autumn many nationalists and republicans may think that this is too high a price to pay. The root of current crisis is to be found in David Trimble's proposition to his party delegates last autumn. Then he committed himself to creating a crisis in the institutions, to blame republicans and nationalists and to achieve suspension. The IRA, he told the world only responds to pressure. The last thirty years of conflict is proof of how this doesn't work. The last seven years of potential for peace making, imperfect though it has been, is proof of what does work.' Sinn F�in response to suspension of the institutions ================================== On 10 August Sinn F�in President Gerry Adams MP condemned the decision of John Reid to suspend the institutions, as a complete breach of the Good Friday Agreement. Mr. Adams said: `Today's decision to suspend the institutions is clearly the result of a deal between the British government and the Ulster Unionist Party. The unionists have either withdrawn or delayed their threatened withdrawal of ministers in return for a suspension of the institutions. It is in complete breach of the Good Friday Agreement. This is the second time in 18 months that the British government has given in to the unionist veto. They should be aware of the impact this has on nationalist and republican confidence in the stability of institutions. Suspension runs totally contrary to the two governments package of last week. We are where we are today because 10 months ago David Trimble set out a clear strategy aimed at creating a crisis, blaming the SDLP and Sinn F�in, and aimed at achieving the suspension of the institutions. Their goal is the renegotiation of the Agreement. In the time ahead the unionists will be seeking the dilution of the Agreement. Today's decision is an encouragement to the DUP and UUP that such dilution and renegotiation is acceptable. The British government have rewarded Mr. Trimble for his intransigence and opposition to real change. Four our part the Good Friday Agreement is the only blueprint for the future. Sinn F�in will not tolerate the rights and entitlements of the people of Ireland being subject to the unionist veto. These are rights and entitlements, not bargaining chips to be doled out at the behest of David Trimble or the British government. Today's decision is a body blow to the Agreement. The nationalist and republican community will not only be angered by the suspension, but will be concerned that their rights and entitlements as outlined under the terms of the Agreement are once again being undermined by unionist and British government bad faith.' Blair deal with Trimble creates further instability ================================ Speaking in Belfast Sinn F�in West Belfast MLA Bairbre de Brun said that the consequence of the deal between Tony Blair and David Trimble was greater instability within the political process than we have had before. Ms. de Brun said: `Once again the British government has chosen to ally itself with Ulster unionism. . The publicly stated objective of David Trimble, spelt out last October, is to create a crisis and a climate in which others can gang up on nationalists and republicans. The goal is not only the humiliation of republicans but the blocking and minimisation of the many changes promised in the Good Friday Agreement. This objective is renegotiation and dilution. The British government's suspension of the institutions has not only created the space in which this can happen, but has given succour to rejectionists within the unionist camp. What is now at stake is the Agreement itself. Three and a half years have passed since the Agreement was signed. Today nationalists are asking themselves where is the new beginning to policing; where is the demilitarisation of our society; where is the all Ireland approach; where is the movement towards equality and human rights; and crucially where is the stability of the political institutions? It is time that the British government and the unionist parties recognised that nationalists have rights; that we will not be treated as second class citizens; that our electoral mandate cannot be subject to unionist approval and that our rights and entitlements are not bargaining chips to be granted or drip fed at the whim of David Trimble or Tony Blair. Yesterday�s decision by the British government is clearly a breach of the Good Friday Agreement. It undermines the political process and it gives the impression that politics is not working. It is time for the British government to face up to their responsibility to defend the rights of citizens. The ball is clearly now in their court. They must demonstrate how they intend to secure the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. Strengthening the unionist veto is not the way to achieve this.' Adams on IRA statement ================= Following the IRA's statement of 14 August, announcing the withdrawal of its proposals to the IICD, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams MP, MLA commented: `No one can be surprised by this latest development. I believe the IRA proposal was a very genuine one but more important than that it was endorsed by the IICD. For the unionists to reject the IICD determination, and for the British government to do what it did is hardly the stuff of peace making. I appreciate the universal welcome that the IICD determination received, most notably from the Taoiseach, but also across the spectrum of progressive opinion. It is clear that this issue will only be resolved in the context of political progress. The British government should know that by now.' Sinn F�in responds to IRA statement ========================= In response to the IRA statement, Sinn F�in negotiator Mitchel McLaughlin MLA said; `This mornings IRA statement announcing the withdrawal of its proposals to the IICD is a direct consequence of unionist rejection of the breakthrough IICD determination and the British governments failure to create the appropriate political conditions. He added: `Last week began with a breakthrough determination by the IICD. The determination was widely welcomed across Ireland and further afield. Despite the historic nature of the IRA's move David Trimble rejected the IICD's determination out of hand. In doing so he rejected the de Chastelain commission as a route to resolve the question of arms. This is a serious blow to the Good Friday Agreement and to efforts to resolve the arms issue. The British government then saw fit, for the second time in 18 months, to reward unionist rejectionism with the suspension of the institutions. The willingness of the British government to unilaterally suspend the institutions is in marked contrast to their refusal to use their powers to ensure Sinn F�in ministers could attend the All Ireland Ministerial Council. Despite talk of a 'tactical suspension' the institutions have not been functioning properly since October of last year. The clear intention of the unionists, as spelt out by David Trimble last October is to create a crisis, blame republicans, achieve suspension and renegotiate the Agreement. The present crisis is the result of the British governments failure to implement the Good Friday Agreement. This failure has created the space from which the unionists are attempting to subvert the Agreement. The onus is now clearly on the British government to live up to its responsibilities. For our part Sinn F�in remains weeded to the Good Friday Agreement and will continue to work with and on both governments to ensure its full implementation.' Policing implementation plan response ========================= Speaking on 16 August, Sinn F�in Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin MLA commented on the British government's proposed new Implementation Plan for Policing. He said: `Sinn F�in has carried out an exhaustive assessment of the British government's Implementation Plan for Policing. We will deal with this in detail following publication of the Plan. However, it is clear from our examination of the plan that there are no substantive changes between this document and the existing legislation and implementation plan. The British government has failed to resolve many of those crucial issues that are vitally important to nationalists and republicans. Sinn F�in has been consistent in our criticism of the Mandelson legislation and implementation plan. We have argued that it does not form the basis for the new beginning to policing as promised in the Good Friday Agreement. Without a return to the Patten report as a starting position for change, any new proposals will remain unacceptable. The Implementation Plan currently being offered by the British government does not go far enough. It does not constitute a genuine attempt to bridge the gap between republican and nationalist aspirations for a proper and consensual approach to policing. Key issues which need to be resolved have not been resolved. These include the limitations on the initiation of inquiries; powers of and appointments to the policing boards; powers of the Ombudsman; protection being offered to human rights offenders and informers; and changes to the Special Branch. With respect to all of these issues there are no substantive changes to what was already on the table. The Implementation Plan does not constitute a decisive effort to win nationalist and republican support for the new police service. More importantly it does not deliver on the new beginning promised in the Good Friday Agreement." On 21 August 2001 Sinn F�in MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Michelle Gildernew said that 'young nationalists and republicans will not be fooled into accepting less than their just entitlements; they will not be fooled into joining this repackaged RUC; they will not join a police service still controlled by the securocrats.' Describing the Implementation Plan as 'deeply flawed' Ms Gildernew pointed out that for the second time within a month a British government deadline has been broken. 'Clearly, the Implementation Plan is not the last word. Negotiations on policing are set to continue.' Ms Gildernew said: `Even those who have accepted the British government proposals on policing admit that the threshold of Patten has not yet been met and that work remains to be done. The days of nationalists accepting less than our just entitlements and rights are long gone. Nationalists will not be fooled into believing that what is on offer amounts to a new beginning to policing. Young nationalists and republicans in Lisnaskea, Crossmaglen, Ardoyne or the Bogside will not join the policing service envisaged under these plans. They will not join a force which will fire Plastic Bullets at their neighbours and friends. They will not join a force which has Human Rights abusers in its ranks. They will not join a force which gives the British Secretary of State or the Chief Constable powers to block inquiries. They will not join a force which is controlled by the same securocrats who have sought to undermine the Peace Process. They will not join a force which has members colluding with loyalist death squads to kill their neighbours. No matter what any party or government says, that is the test for these proposals, and it is a test which this flawed implementation plan guarantees it will fail. In conclusion Ms Gildernew said: For the second time within a month a deadline set by the British government for the parties will broken. The reality is that the Implementation Plan is deeply flawed and is not the last word. This peace process is a constant process of negotiation and the issue of policing, no less than demilitarisation, human rights, equality and arms, is still a work in progress.' Loyalist attacks continue - report details 200 attacks ==================================== Sinn F�in Assembly Chief Whip Alex Maskey MLA revealled on 15 August that the party was distributing a major report on loyalist attacks on Catholics since the start of the year. The report lists almost 200 reported attacks on Catholics. The report will be distributed to TDs, MPs other political parties and leaders, as well as internationally. Mr. Maskey said: `Last night another nationalist home was attacked by loyalist pipebombers. Earlier in the afternoon, two lorries were hijacked by loyalists and caused widespread chaos in North Belfast. This is further evidence that the UDA's campaign is continuing unabated. This year alone there have been more than 180 reported loyalist attacks against nationalists in the Six Counties. The past two months has seen a sharp escalation in these attacks, particularly in Belfast. It is now widely accepted that these attacks are part of the UDA orchestrated pogrom against the nationalist community. They are a consequence of the political vacuum opened up by British governments failure to safeguard the full implementation of the Agreement. Sinn F�in has worked hard on the ground to defuse tension in nationalist areas and to reach out to unionists and loyalists. We have initiated a series of contacts with political representatives, clergy, community organisations, trade unions and others, aimed at pressurising the UDA into ending its campaign. To date, the unionist leadership has failed to do all in their power to end these attacks. They are failing to face up to their responsibilities in bringing an end to such attacks. The dossier we are presenting to you today shows clearly that, despite what some sections of the media would have us believe, the recent violence has not been tit-for-tat. It has been part of an ongoing campaign. Those who would portray it as anything different are playing into the hands of those opposed to the peace process.' l The detailed report on loyalist attacks will be circulated by email separately. More loyalist attacks ============== On 3 August a discovery of a loyalist cache of weaponry in Ballysillan was further evidence of an orchestrated campaign against nationalists in North Belfast, said Sinn Fein Councillor Margaret McClenaghan. She said the situation was `very precarious' with nightly attacks on nationalist homes througout north Belfast. On 8 August Ms McClenaghan was again speaking after a pipe bomb was found near the gates of Holy Cross Primary School on the Ardoyne Road. She said `The placing of a pipe-bomb on the gates of Holy Cross School was a reckless act aimed at raising tensions.' She called on leaders in the loyalist community with influence to do all they could to bring such attacks to an end. Two suspect devices were discovered in West Belfast on 20 August. Sinn Fein Assembly Member for the area, Sue Ramsey, said that one attack took place on the home of a prominent community worker in Tullymore Gardens, and the second on Hannahstown Hill Road. Both put lives at risk, she said. She added: `These attacks are part of an orchestrated campaign against the nationalist community'. Sinn Fein Assembly Member for Newry and Armagh, Pat McNamee, raised alarm over the discovery of a sophisticated mercury tilt switch bomb discovered under a car in Armagh on 22 August. He said the discovery marked `further escalation of the UDA campaign'. He added that tat the device was similar to the bomb which killed human rights lawyer Rosemary Nelson in Lurgan. Reid must state position on UDA cease-fire ============================= A pipe bomb attack on Sinn Fein Mid Ulster MP Martin McGuinness' constituency office has prompted calls for Secretary of State John Reid to publicly declare his position on the UDA cease-fire. Speaking on 22 August, Sinn Fein Cookstown councillor and assistant to Martin McGuinness, Oliver Molloy, said: `This morning's pipe bomb attack cannnot be separated from the ongoing UDA pogrom against nationalist people in the Six Counties.' which could he said, have caused `serious injury or death'. He reiterated previous information circulated by Sinn Fein that almost 200 UDA orchestrated attacks against nationalist had taken place. He said: `A number o fweeks ago John Reid said that he would keep the UDA cease-fire under review. He must now declare publicly his position'. He called for vigilance in the context of the upsurge of loyalist attacks, and for all those with influence in the loyalist community to do all in their power to bring such attacks to an end. Reid must come clean on UDA ===================== Sinn F�in Assembly member Conor Murphy, speaking on 23 August, said that John Reid should immediately come clean and declare that the UDA cessation has ended: `For months now the UDA have been orchestrating an anti-Catholic pogrom across the Six Counties. There have been hundreds of gun and bomb attacks on Catholics, yet we are still told by John Reid that the UDA are on ceasefire. Nationalists across the North do not need daily reviews of the UDA position to know the reality of the situation. In recent weeks I have met John Reid and challenged him about his failure to come clean on the UDA. As the pogrom appears now to be back in full swing it is time John Reid got off the fence and declared that their ceasefire was at an end.' Sinn Fein President to give London lecture on hunger strike anniversary =============================================== Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams will deliver a commemorative lecture this Autumn on the 20th Anniversary of the 1981 Hunger Strike. The event will take place on 23 October at London's Westminster Central Hall, and other speakers will include Tony Benn. The occassion will also see the first showing in London of the national Hunger Strike exhibiton, which will be on public display at Central Hall during the day. For further details of the lecture and the exhibition, contact the Sinn Fein London office on 020 7686 0551. l Week in Review is extended to cover recent weeks not circulated due to holidays. _________________________________________________ KOMINFORM P.O. 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