Irish Republican Army (IRA) 'First' Statement on Weapons, 21 October 2003

Text of Irish Republican Army (IRA) 'First' Statement on Weapons, 21 October 2003

"The leadership of the IRA welcomed today's speech by Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams in which he accurately reflects our position.

He also referred to the issue of weapons.

The IRA leadership is committed to resolving this issue.

In line with our stated position, we have authorised our representative to meet with the IICD [Independent International Commission on Decommissioning] with a view to proceeding with the implementation of a process to put arms beyond use at the earliest opportunity.

We have also authorised a further act of putting arms beyond use.

This will be verified under the agreed scheme."

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