Irish Republican Army (IRA) Easter Statement, (released 13 April 2006)

Text of Irish Republican Army (IRA) Easter statement, (released 13 April 2006)

"This Easter marks the 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, a turning point in the history of Ireland.

Irish republicans remember with pride those who gave their lives that extraordinary Easter and the leaders executed in the weeks that followed.

The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann extends solidarity to the families of all of our patriot dead from every generation and in particular those from this phase of struggle.

We send solidarity greetings to our imprisoned comrades and their families.

This year we also commemorate the valiant prison Hunger Strike of 1981. Ten brave men - freedom fighters and patriots - died. Their legacy and that of Frank Stagg and Michael Gaughan lives on and their fortitude and courage continues to inspire.

Following our statement of July 28 last year, IRA Volunteers have adhered, in the spirit and the letter, to the decisions and instructions outlined by the leadership.

We commend the discipline of our Volunteers and salute their commitment.

The IRA has no responsibility for the tiny number of former republicans who have embraced criminal activity. They do so for self-gain. We repudiate this activity and denounce those involved.

The IRA remains committed to the peace process. Our decisions and actions of last July and September are proof of that.

The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann believes that it is possible to achieve the republican goal of a united Ireland through the alternative route of purely peaceful and democratic means.

We know that many republicans are frustrated and angry at the positions taken up by the two governments over the last year. However, in our view, the will of the people is to see advances in the political process.

The onus is on the two governments and the political parties to ensure that this happens. The Irish Government in particular has a duty to see beyond the current phase of the process.

Its responsibility is to promote an end to partition and to create the conditions for the unity and independence of Ireland.

The IRA is fully committed to the ideals and principles of the Proclamation of Easter 1916.

We urge maximum unity in the time ahead."

P O'Neill,
Irish Republican Publicity Bureau, Dublin.