Loyalist groups decommission weapons

Authoritative sources in Belfast yesterday described as "transformatory" acts of weapons decommissioning which have been carried out by loyalist paramilitary groups.

It emerged yesterday that the two main illegal loyalist groups, the Ulster Volunteer Force and Ulster Defence Association, have put substantial amounts of their guns beyond use.

The moves follow years of pressure and persuasion directed at the underground groups which were responsible for more than one thousand deaths during the troubles.

The IRA decommissioned its arsenal in several stages, culminating in a major 2005 act when it declared all its guns had gone. The loyalists have been urged to follow suit, and warned that tough new measures would be brought in if they did not move within months.

The UVF, which killed more than 500 killings, is believed to have carried out several acts of decommissioning, involving substantial amounts of guns, under the supervision of Canadian General John de Chastelain, in company with two independent eye-witnesses.

The UDA is thought to have disposed of lesser amounts, with the authorities hoping that more such acts will follow. The Red Hand Commando, a small group linked to the UVF, has also shed weaponry.

Northern Ireland Secretary Sean Woodward said last night: "This is a very, very significant act which has the potential to fundamentally transform the picture here. It actually says that politics is working."

Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde described the development as "very good news," saying of the loyalists: "They are to be congratulated for taking that big leap. I think it is very significant.

"I think it is a step change which shows a degree of organisation and commitment that perhaps we have not seen before."

The move was also welcomed by Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson, who said that in contacts with the UVF and UDA over the last nine months he had sought to persuade them to wind down their paramilitary structures and decommission their weaponry.

A great many of the victims of loyalist were Catholic civilians, often chosen at random and on many occasions killed in attacks on premises such as pubs and bookmakers shops.

Their violence has decreased significantly in recent years, when many of the deaths they caused took the form of internal feud shootings.

Sir Hugh Orde meanwhile said yesterday he was sticking to his decision to phase out his force's full-time reserve. He said he was satisfied this would not compromise security in any way.