Statement by Jeffrey Donaldson about UDA Decommissioning, (6 January 2010)

Statement by Jeffrey Donaldson, then Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MP, about Ulster Defence Association (UDA) Decommissioning, Belfast, (6 January 2010).

"The DUP welcomes the news that the UDA has decommissioned its illegally held weaponry. This will be welcomed throughout our country. The Party has been working for a considerable time to remove all illegal weapons from the streets of Northern Ireland and to deliver universal support for policing and the rule of law.

People will now be looking for clear evidence of a complete and total commitment to the peaceful and democratic path by all those previously involved with paramilitary groups.
The Troubles had a negative and damaging impact upon the communities in which paramilitaries operated down through the years.  Working-class loyalist people will be pleased to see paramilitary organisations fading out of existence and a normal peaceful situation coming to the fore.

We need to work with community leaders in these areas to bring investment in local infrastructure and to remove the obstacles to creating a more prosperous economic environment with job creation and training opportunities.

The DUP will continue to work for the elimination of all paramilitary structures from our society.”

DUP NOTE:
 
"The DUP first met face-to-face with the loyalist groups on 5th September 2008."