IRA's Statement: 'The IRA leadership is committed to resolving this issue'

The leadership of the IRA welcomes today's speech by the Sinn Fein 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 [the 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.

Signed P O'Neill

The second statement:

The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann (the IRA) can confirm that a further act of putting arms beyond use has taken place under the agreed scheme.

Signed P O'Neill