The announcement by the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) today that it has decommissioned its weapons has drawn a broad political welcome.
The INLA this morning confirmed it has disposed of its illegal arsenal in recent weeks through General de Chastelain's Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD).
Welcoming the move this morning, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern said: "General de Chastelain has confirmed to me that over the last few days he and his colleagues have completed the decommissioning of INLA arms.
"These events are further positive developments as we look to finally close the last chapter of the conflict and ensure a peaceful future for all the people of Northern Ireland," he said.
Mr Ahern also paid tribute to the members of the IICD: "I want to once again thank General John de Chastelain, Brigadier-General Tauno Nieminen and Mr Andrew Sens. Their work has been critical to the success of the peace process, and they have faced their task at all times with immense patience, professionalism and dedication. Ireland owes them a great debt of gratitude."
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin said the INLA’s actions “reinforce the developing consensus that the route to a better future is through the exercise of peaceful politics, based on the rule of law, mutual respect, equality and tolerance. These principles are inclusive and do not leave any constituency behind.”
Cardinal Sean Brady said today's announcement would "no doubt evoke painful memories for those who have suffered in any way due to INLA paramilitary activity".
"I pay tribute and thank those who have taken risks in order to make the good news of today a reality. I ask those with influence to do everything that they can to dissuade young people from following the destructive path of violence. Everyone who wishes for the long-term stability of our society can rejoice at today's news."
Sinn Féin Assembly member Gerry Kelly the peace process has ensured that a peaceful and democratic path to a united Ireland exists. "There is no support for or appetite for armed actions within the republican community," he said.
“The INLA has recognised this by engaging with the IICD in this action. Other small militarist factions, both republican and loyalist, who are opposed to the peace process need now also to reflect on their position given the political realities of 2010 and end their futile armed actions."
The DUP's Gregory Campbell said INLA decommissioning was long overdue. “All too often when moves like this occur, there is a tendency to forget what was carried out by these groups,” he said. “All of them should decommission their weapons, none of them should have been armed and able to murder in the first instance and the regret is that there are still people mourning their previous actions and the heartache they left behind."
Republican Sinn Féin, which is regarded as the political wing of the Continuity IRA, described the INLA’s move as “shameful”.
“These weapons should have been given to those prepared to use them rather than destroyed to gain favour with the enemy,” a spokesman said. “British guns remain on our streets with the blessing of former republicans. Will those close to the now defunct INLA insist that British Crown Forces are to be supported rather than opposed?”
The loyalist Ulster Political Research Group, linked to the paramilitary Ulster Defence Association (UDA), which recently decommissioned, also welcomed the INLA announcement.
“We are sure we can speak for the widest spectrum of opinion in the loyalist community when we congratulate those who have shown great leadership within the socialist community and who have had the vision and taken great risks to create a new environment for the future where violence is no longer a viable option and
where weapons are a thing of the past,” it said.
