From: "Stasi" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: [Peoples War] Sinn Fein: FLASH - Britain Says Loyalist 'Ceasefires'
Are Over
>>>>>> FLASH: BRITAIN SAYS LOYALIST 'CEASEFIRES' ARE OVER
British Secretary of State John Reid has offically declared that
the 'ceasefires' by the loyalist paramilitary UDA and LVF are
over.
Although claiming to to have abandoned their campaigns of
violence [for political purposes] in 1994 and 1998 respectively,
both groups continued to engage in murders of nationalists and
random sectarian attacks on the broad Catholic population.
In an announcement within the past hour, Dr Reid said: "They have
systematically breached their ceasefire, and the patience of the
people of Northern Ireland has run out."
Dr Reid said the UDA and LVF had showed "contempt" for the people
of the North of Ireland and for peace and democracy. "They seem
determined to spurn the opportunity given to them by the people
to make the transition from violence to democracy," he said.
Dr Reid said that he could not pretend his decision to specify
the groups [as outlawed organisations] would change their
behaviour. He warned: "They may lash out and flaunt their
immorality and their contempt for the law. But there is a limit
to society's tolerance and that limit has now been reached."
The announcement was welcomed as long overdue by Sinn Fein and
the SDLP, but the UDA's political representatives warned of a
backlash.
Dr Reid was about to make such an announcement two weeks ago, but
backed down after coming under political pressure. After giving
loyalists "one last chance" to prove their 'ceasefires' were
holding, the LVF killed investigative journalist Martin O'Hagan
the next day, while the UDA observed a brief lull in their
campaign. Reid was heavily criticised for his handling of the
loyalist groups.
His decision today followed heavy clashes between the UDA and the
RUC police in the loyalist Shankill area last night. The
Secretary of State, who made his announcement after talks with
RUC Chief Ronnie Flanagan, also said he had "clear information"
of LVF involvement in the murder of Martin O'Hagan.
Sinn Fein's North Belfast representative Gerry Kelly said he had
argued for the move with Dr Reid "for some considerable time".
He said there had been hundreds of attacks in his constituency
this year. After "reneging" two weeks ago, Dr Reid "has now said
what evereyone else has known for a very long time," said Mr
Kelly.
* Also today, the LVF denied a booby-trap car bomb device placed
underneath a man's car in Portadown last night was planted by
them, blaming "sinister elements" within the British government
for the bomb. The targeted man, who has not been identified,
said the attack was a case of mistaken identity.
c. RM Distribution and others. Articles may be reprinted with credit.
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