Statement by Peter Robinson on the publication of the Thirteenth Report of the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC), (30 January 2007)

Statement by Peter Robinson, then Deputy Leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), on the publication of the Thirteenth Report of the Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC), (30 January 2007)

"The publication of the IMC report appears to mark further progress in respect of the winding down of the IRA’s paramilitary campaign. This latest report, whilst welcome, does still leave a number of issues which need to be addressed particularly the involvement of IRA members in criminal activity. There is a clear requirement on Sinn Fein to discipline any of its members that are involved in criminal activity. It is incumbent on them to report any such activity to the police as is normal practice for those who support the police and the rule of law.

As a consequence of continued DUP pressure and our insistence that all paramilitary and criminal activity must be ended for good further movement along the road has been achieved. However we want to ensure that all paramilitary and criminal activity has ended and a successful transition has been completed. Nothing less than exclusively peaceful and democratic means will be acceptable.

It is cause for concern that various so-called loyalist paramilitary groups continue to engage in terrorist and criminal activity. The unionist community overwhelmingly rejects these individuals and their activities and they, like republicans, must desist from such activity."