APPENDIX : IRA STATEMENTS
31/08/94 TO 04/04/96
IRA STATEMENT, August 31, 1994
A statement was issued August 31, 1994 by the Irish Republican Army:
The full text of the statement issued in Dublin reads:
"Recognising the potential of the current situation and in order to enhance the democratic process and underlying our definitive commitment to its success, the leadership of the IRA have decided that as of midnight, August 31, there will be a complete cessation of military operations. All our units have been instructed accordingly.
At this crossroads the leadership of the IRA salutes and commends our volunteers, other activists, our supporters and the political prisoners who have sustained the struggle against all odds for the past 25 years. Your courage, determination and sacrifice have demonstrated that the freedom and the desire for peace based on a just and lasting settlement cannot be crushed. We remember all those who have died for Irish freedom and we reiterate our commitment to our republican objectives. Our struggle has seen many gains and advances made by nationalists and for the democratic position.
We believe that an opportunity to secure a just and lasting settlement has been created. We are therefore entering into a new situation in a spirit of determination and confidence, determined that the injustices which created this conflict will be removed and confident in the strength and justice of our struggle to achieve this.
We note that the Downing Street Declaration is not a solution, nor was it presented as such by its authors. A solution will only be found as a result of inclusive negotiations. Others, not the least the British government have a duty to face up to their responsibilities. It is our desire to significantly contribute to the creation of a climate which will encourage this. We urge everyone to approach this new situation with energy, determination and patience."
IRA STATEMENT, September 1, 1995
A statement was issued September 1, 1995 by the Irish Republican Army:
The full text of the statement issued in Dublin reads:
"On August 31,1994, the leadership of the IRA announced a complete cessation of military operations in order to enhance the democratic peace process. We took that course and have abided by it because we believed that an opportunity had been created to achieve a just and lasting peace. That belief was shared by a broad spectrum of popular and political opinion in Ireland and internationally.
We also stated the obvious common-sense reality that a solution will only be found as a result of inclusive negotiations. We noted that others, and especially the British Government, have a duty to face up to their responsibilities. Regrettably, and after a full year, this opportunity has not been grasped by the British Government. It is a matter of concern that the British have succeeded only in preventing movement towards a resolution. Amongst other diversions, London is using the Unionists' political intransigence as an excuse for its own refusal to move.
Irish Republicans recognise that a lasting peace settlement must involve all the Irish people and will require a democratic accommodation among all the people of this island. We remain committed to Irish Republican ideals and political objectives. We have faced up to our responsibilities. The failure of John Major's Government to face up to its responsibilities is the source of deepening disappointment to all those who seek a just and lasting settlement."
IRA STATEMENT, September 29, 1995
A statement was issued September 29, 1995 by the Irish Republican Army.
The full text of the IRA statement reads:
"Thirteen months ago the IRA announced a complete cessation of military operations. We did so to enhance the opportunity which existed, at that time, given political will on all sides, for the realisation of a just and lasting settlement.
We wish Sinn Fein every success in its current efforts to break the impasse created by the British Government's new and unreasonable demand for a handing over of IRA weapons. The entire decommissioning issue is a deliberate distraction and stalling tactic by a British Government acting in bad faith.
John Major's government know enough of Anglo-Irish history to understand that there is no possibility of disarmament except as part of a negotiated settlement. Given that history and the reality that they and their loyalist death squad allies hold the largest stock of licensed and unlicensed weapons, the demand for an IRA handover of weapons is ludicrous.
There is no possibility of the IRA meeting these demands."
IRA STATEMENT, December 8, 1995
A statement was issued December 8, 1995 by the Irish Republican Army.
The full text of the IRA statement reads:
"In August 1994, in recognition of the potential which then existed, and, in order to enhance the democratic peace process, the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann took the initiative and announced a complete cessation of military operations.
We noted then that a solution to the conflict would only be found as a result of inclusive negotiations. Our initiative was aimed at creating a climate which would encourage this. We also noted that others, not least the British government, had a duty to face up to their responsibilities.
It is a matter of profound regret that rather than fulfilling its responsibilities, the British government, presented with this historic opportunity, has sought only to frustrate movement into inclusive negotiations and has erected an absolute barrier to progress with its untenable and unattainable demand for an IRA surrender.
This demand which has been elevated into a precondition for the commencement of all party political negotiations, blocks the inclusive dialogue essential if the causes of conflict are to be removed. It is also a demand which the British government has stridently and repeatedly made, even over the course of the last week.
We noted that British Prime Minister, John Major, at the press conference to announce the twin track approach, actually rejected it as a means of removing preconditions. It is also obvious that Mr Major is actively encouraging the unionist proposition of a return to Stormont and actively reinforces the unionist leadership's refusal to engage meaningfully in the search for a negotiated settlement.
British bad faith and unionist intransigence have raised a huge question mark over the potential of the twin track approach. As we stated on September 29th, there is no question of Oglaigh na hEireann meeting the ludicrous demand for a surrender of IRA weapons either through the front or the back doors.
IRA STATEMENT, February 9, 1996
A statement was issued 9 February, 1996 by the Irish Republican Army.
The full text of the IRA statement reads:
"It is with great reluctance that the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann announces that the complete cessation of military operations will end at 6 p.m. on February 9th, this evening.
As we stated on August 31st, 1994, the basis for the cessation was to enhance the democratic peace process and to underline our definitive commitment to its success. We also made it clear that we believed that an opportunity to create a just and lasting settlement had been created.
The cessation presented an historic challenge for everyone and Oglaigh na hEireann commends the leaderships of nationalist Ireland at home and abroad. They rose to the challenge. The British Prime Minister did not.
Instead of embracing the peace process, the British Government acted in bad faith with Mr Major and the Unionist leaders squandering this unprecedented opportunity to resolve the conflict. Time and again, over the last 18 months, selfish party political and sectional interests in the London parliament have been placed before the rights of the people of Ireland.
We take this opportunity to reiterate our total commitment to our Republican objectives. The resolution of the conflict in our country demands justice. It demands an inclusive negotiated settlement. That is not possible unless and until the British Government faces up to its responsibilities. The blame for the failure thus far of the Irish peace process lies squarely with John Major and his Government."
IRA STATEMENT, February 29, 1996
The IRA released a statement in Dublin today, 29 February, after a meeting between the IRA Army Council and the leaders of Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
The IRA statement said there had been a detailed and open exchange of views.
"We listened attentively to the case presented by both leaders and noted their shared commitment to restoring the peace process."
It went on:
"For our part we restated our absolute commitment to our republican objectives which include the free exercise by the Irish people of our inalienable right to national self-determination. We also took the opportunity to reiterate what we said on February 9th, stressing that a resolution of the conflict in our country demands justice and an inclusive negotiated settlement without preconditions.
We pointed out to Mr Hume and Mr Adams that the failure of by the British government to put in place inclusive negotiations free from preconditions, the abuse of the peace process by the British over 18 months and the absence of an effective and democratic approach capable of providing an irrevocable momentum towards a just and lasting peace in Ireland, were the critical elements which led to the failure, thus far, of the Irish peace process. We repeat that we are prepared to face up to our responsibilities; others need to do likewise."
IRA STATEMENT, April 4, 1996
"On this the 80th anniversary of the Easter Rising the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann extends greetings to its friends, activists and supporters at home and abroad. We salute them and commend them for their continued support and assistance.
To our imprisoned comrades, their loved ones and families we extend continuing solidarity and support. We salute them. We salute also the Volunteer soldiers of Oglaigh na hEireann, in Ireland and overseas, and commend them for their continued discipline, fortitude and commitment. We also applaud the leadership and political activists of Sinn Fein for their continuing sterling work in the cause of justice, peace and democracy in Ireland. As we commemorate Easter we remember all those who have died for Irish freedom, we particularly remember Volunteer Eddie O'Brien, who died on active service in England on 18 February. To his family and comrades we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Last Easter saw great hope and expectation. The IRA initiative of August 1994, which provided an unprecedented opportunity for the realisation of a just and lasting peace, was by then over eight months in train. British intransigence was of course a cause for concern, yet hope remained. That hope and expectation was slowly and relentlessly strangled by a British government which squandered the historic opportunity presented to it. The British, rather than seize the moment, sought only to avoid any meaningful engagement in the Irish peace process. Their adoption of an unashamedly unionist agenda and their adherence to the utterly failed policies of exclusion and marginalisation of republicans led to a deepening and worrying crisis.
The British refused to engage and to persuade unionists to move one millimetre from their trenches. This, together with the disappointing performance of the Dublin government, led to the position where, rather than advancing towards a meaningful negotiations process free from preconditions, the Irish people were again faced with a hard-line unionist shopping list underwritten by the British government. At the top of this list is a return to Stormont. That is never going to happen. Partition in Ireland was founded and sustained on injustice and a denial of democracy. It has failed and failed utterly. The IRA whose mandate for armed struggle derives from Britain's denial of the fundamental right of the Irish people to national self-determination and sovereignty has made its position abundantly clear. We reaffirm that position. The IRA remains fully committed to its republican objectives and for so long as Britain persists in its denial of national and democratic rights in Ireland then the IRA will continue to assert those rights.
The IRA, of course, remains ready to help in developing the conditions which will allow for a meaningful negotiations process, free from preconditions of any kind. The current position of the British, however, prevents all those in Ireland with a democratic mandate from sitting around the negotiating table. The British have no mandate or right in Ireland and they will not be permitted to set preconditions. It is self evident that the British denial of democracy in Ireland is at the core of the conflict. The resolution of that conflict demands justice. It demands a negotiated settlement. That is not possible until the British face up to their responsibilities.
As we commemorate our dead we reaffirm that the republican struggle remains confident. We will face the challenges which lie ahead with the same spirit of unity and determination which have sustained our position in the face of massive British pressure down the long decades of occupation and oppression. There remains only one place for all the representatives of the Irish people to go and that is to the negotiating table. It is our desire and resolve that they will go there in circumstances which will allow for the core issues at the heart of this conflict to be addressed and resolved. All who seek a genuine and lasting peace in Ireland should work for that same end. We stand ready to meet our responsibilities. Others, not least the British, must do likewise. Beannachtai na Casca daoibh go leir.
A statement was issued August 31, 1994 by the Irish Republican Army:
The full text of the statement issued in Dublin reads:
"Recognising the potential of the current situation and in order to enhance the democratic process and underlying our definitive commitment to its success, the leadership of the IRA have decided that as of midnight, August 31, there will be a complete cessation of military operations. All our units have been instructed accordingly.
At this crossroads the leadership of the IRA salutes and commends our volunteers, other activists, our supporters and the political prisoners who have sustained the struggle against all odds for the past 25 years. Your courage, determination and sacrifice have demonstrated that the freedom and the desire for peace based on a just and lasting settlement cannot be crushed. We remember all those who have died for Irish freedom and we reiterate our commitment to our republican objectives. Our struggle has seen many gains and advances made by nationalists and for the democratic position.
We believe that an opportunity to secure a just and lasting settlement has been created. We are therefore entering into a new situation in a spirit of determination and confidence, determined that the injustices which created this conflict will be removed and confident in the strength and justice of our struggle to achieve this.
We note that the Downing Street Declaration is not a solution, nor was it presented as such by its authors. A solution will only be found as a result of inclusive negotiations. Others, not the least the British government have a duty to face up to their responsibilities. It is our desire to significantly contribute to the creation of a climate which will encourage this. We urge everyone to approach this new situation with energy, determination and patience."
IRA STATEMENT, September 1, 1995
A statement was issued September 1, 1995 by the Irish Republican Army:
The full text of the statement issued in Dublin reads:
"On August 31,1994, the leadership of the IRA announced a complete cessation of military operations in order to enhance the democratic peace process. We took that course and have abided by it because we believed that an opportunity had been created to achieve a just and lasting peace. That belief was shared by a broad spectrum of popular and political opinion in Ireland and internationally.
We also stated the obvious common-sense reality that a solution will only be found as a result of inclusive negotiations. We noted that others, and especially the British Government, have a duty to face up to their responsibilities. Regrettably, and after a full year, this opportunity has not been grasped by the British Government. It is a matter of concern that the British have succeeded only in preventing movement towards a resolution. Amongst other diversions, London is using the Unionists' political intransigence as an excuse for its own refusal to move.
Irish Republicans recognise that a lasting peace settlement must involve all the Irish people and will require a democratic accommodation among all the people of this island. We remain committed to Irish Republican ideals and political objectives. We have faced up to our responsibilities. The failure of John Major's Government to face up to its responsibilities is the source of deepening disappointment to all those who seek a just and lasting settlement."
IRA STATEMENT, September 29, 1995
A statement was issued September 29, 1995 by the Irish Republican Army.
The full text of the IRA statement reads:
"Thirteen months ago the IRA announced a complete cessation of military operations. We did so to enhance the opportunity which existed, at that time, given political will on all sides, for the realisation of a just and lasting settlement.
We wish Sinn Fein every success in its current efforts to break the impasse created by the British Government's new and unreasonable demand for a handing over of IRA weapons. The entire decommissioning issue is a deliberate distraction and stalling tactic by a British Government acting in bad faith.
John Major's government know enough of Anglo-Irish history to understand that there is no possibility of disarmament except as part of a negotiated settlement. Given that history and the reality that they and their loyalist death squad allies hold the largest stock of licensed and unlicensed weapons, the demand for an IRA handover of weapons is ludicrous.
There is no possibility of the IRA meeting these demands."
IRA STATEMENT, December 8, 1995
A statement was issued December 8, 1995 by the Irish Republican Army.
The full text of the IRA statement reads:
"In August 1994, in recognition of the potential which then existed, and, in order to enhance the democratic peace process, the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann took the initiative and announced a complete cessation of military operations.
We noted then that a solution to the conflict would only be found as a result of inclusive negotiations. Our initiative was aimed at creating a climate which would encourage this. We also noted that others, not least the British government, had a duty to face up to their responsibilities.
It is a matter of profound regret that rather than fulfilling its responsibilities, the British government, presented with this historic opportunity, has sought only to frustrate movement into inclusive negotiations and has erected an absolute barrier to progress with its untenable and unattainable demand for an IRA surrender.
This demand which has been elevated into a precondition for the commencement of all party political negotiations, blocks the inclusive dialogue essential if the causes of conflict are to be removed. It is also a demand which the British government has stridently and repeatedly made, even over the course of the last week.
We noted that British Prime Minister, John Major, at the press conference to announce the twin track approach, actually rejected it as a means of removing preconditions. It is also obvious that Mr Major is actively encouraging the unionist proposition of a return to Stormont and actively reinforces the unionist leadership's refusal to engage meaningfully in the search for a negotiated settlement.
British bad faith and unionist intransigence have raised a huge question mark over the potential of the twin track approach. As we stated on September 29th, there is no question of Oglaigh na hEireann meeting the ludicrous demand for a surrender of IRA weapons either through the front or the back doors.
IRA STATEMENT, February 9, 1996
A statement was issued 9 February, 1996 by the Irish Republican Army.
The full text of the IRA statement reads:
"It is with great reluctance that the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann announces that the complete cessation of military operations will end at 6 p.m. on February 9th, this evening.
As we stated on August 31st, 1994, the basis for the cessation was to enhance the democratic peace process and to underline our definitive commitment to its success. We also made it clear that we believed that an opportunity to create a just and lasting settlement had been created.
The cessation presented an historic challenge for everyone and Oglaigh na hEireann commends the leaderships of nationalist Ireland at home and abroad. They rose to the challenge. The British Prime Minister did not.
Instead of embracing the peace process, the British Government acted in bad faith with Mr Major and the Unionist leaders squandering this unprecedented opportunity to resolve the conflict. Time and again, over the last 18 months, selfish party political and sectional interests in the London parliament have been placed before the rights of the people of Ireland.
We take this opportunity to reiterate our total commitment to our Republican objectives. The resolution of the conflict in our country demands justice. It demands an inclusive negotiated settlement. That is not possible unless and until the British Government faces up to its responsibilities. The blame for the failure thus far of the Irish peace process lies squarely with John Major and his Government."
IRA STATEMENT, February 29, 1996
The IRA released a statement in Dublin today, 29 February, after a meeting between the IRA Army Council and the leaders of Sinn Fein and the SDLP.
The IRA statement said there had been a detailed and open exchange of views.
"We listened attentively to the case presented by both leaders and noted their shared commitment to restoring the peace process."
It went on:
"For our part we restated our absolute commitment to our republican objectives which include the free exercise by the Irish people of our inalienable right to national self-determination. We also took the opportunity to reiterate what we said on February 9th, stressing that a resolution of the conflict in our country demands justice and an inclusive negotiated settlement without preconditions.
We pointed out to Mr Hume and Mr Adams that the failure of by the British government to put in place inclusive negotiations free from preconditions, the abuse of the peace process by the British over 18 months and the absence of an effective and democratic approach capable of providing an irrevocable momentum towards a just and lasting peace in Ireland, were the critical elements which led to the failure, thus far, of the Irish peace process. We repeat that we are prepared to face up to our responsibilities; others need to do likewise."
IRA STATEMENT, April 4, 1996
"On this the 80th anniversary of the Easter Rising the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann extends greetings to its friends, activists and supporters at home and abroad. We salute them and commend them for their continued support and assistance.
To our imprisoned comrades, their loved ones and families we extend continuing solidarity and support. We salute them. We salute also the Volunteer soldiers of Oglaigh na hEireann, in Ireland and overseas, and commend them for their continued discipline, fortitude and commitment. We also applaud the leadership and political activists of Sinn Fein for their continuing sterling work in the cause of justice, peace and democracy in Ireland. As we commemorate Easter we remember all those who have died for Irish freedom, we particularly remember Volunteer Eddie O'Brien, who died on active service in England on 18 February. To his family and comrades we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
Last Easter saw great hope and expectation. The IRA initiative of August 1994, which provided an unprecedented opportunity for the realisation of a just and lasting peace, was by then over eight months in train. British intransigence was of course a cause for concern, yet hope remained. That hope and expectation was slowly and relentlessly strangled by a British government which squandered the historic opportunity presented to it. The British, rather than seize the moment, sought only to avoid any meaningful engagement in the Irish peace process. Their adoption of an unashamedly unionist agenda and their adherence to the utterly failed policies of exclusion and marginalisation of republicans led to a deepening and worrying crisis.
The British refused to engage and to persuade unionists to move one millimetre from their trenches. This, together with the disappointing performance of the Dublin government, led to the position where, rather than advancing towards a meaningful negotiations process free from preconditions, the Irish people were again faced with a hard-line unionist shopping list underwritten by the British government. At the top of this list is a return to Stormont. That is never going to happen. Partition in Ireland was founded and sustained on injustice and a denial of democracy. It has failed and failed utterly. The IRA whose mandate for armed struggle derives from Britain's denial of the fundamental right of the Irish people to national self-determination and sovereignty has made its position abundantly clear. We reaffirm that position. The IRA remains fully committed to its republican objectives and for so long as Britain persists in its denial of national and democratic rights in Ireland then the IRA will continue to assert those rights.
The IRA, of course, remains ready to help in developing the conditions which will allow for a meaningful negotiations process, free from preconditions of any kind. The current position of the British, however, prevents all those in Ireland with a democratic mandate from sitting around the negotiating table. The British have no mandate or right in Ireland and they will not be permitted to set preconditions. It is self evident that the British denial of democracy in Ireland is at the core of the conflict. The resolution of that conflict demands justice. It demands a negotiated settlement. That is not possible until the British face up to their responsibilities.
As we commemorate our dead we reaffirm that the republican struggle remains confident. We will face the challenges which lie ahead with the same spirit of unity and determination which have sustained our position in the face of massive British pressure down the long decades of occupation and oppression. There remains only one place for all the representatives of the Irish people to go and that is to the negotiating table. It is our desire and resolve that they will go there in circumstances which will allow for the core issues at the heart of this conflict to be addressed and resolved. All who seek a genuine and lasting peace in Ireland should work for that same end. We stand ready to meet our responsibilities. Others, not least the British, must do likewise. Beannachtai na Casca daoibh go leir.
