The republican campaign for a united Ireland will continue both in "word and action", dissident republican organisations warned today.
In an Easter statement, Republican Sinn Féin and the Continuity IRA, the only republican group not to have declared a ceasefire, called for the support of those who had "drifted" from "true Republicanism".
The statement read: "We recognise the continued resistance to British occupation of our country from both Republican Sinn Féin and the Continuity IRA.
"We are also aware of the difficult phase that the republican movement is going through, brought about by the many enemies working against it, but we assert that the struggle for national independence will continue on all fronts.
"As we go forward for another year let us not forget our fallen comrades from whatever era and mindful of their sacrifice we dedicate our struggle to continue until we achieve our final objective - the fight goes on not only in word but also by action."
The groups complained of "what amounts to a media black-out on publicity" from the republican movement, suppressing the right to freedom of speech by "minority political viewpoints".
They called on the nationalist community not to join Northern Ireland's reformed police service and threatened those who did: "We have seen during the past year the attempt by the British to create a climate within which the British RUC may appeal to the nationalist community to support or even to join them.
"The republican movement rejects a British police force in our country and we state clearly that all who are tempted to uphold such should reflect on what happened to those who have done so in the past."
On the 85th anniversary of the Easter Rising and in the year of the 20th anniversary of the hunger strikes, the groups paid tribute to republican prisoners in Portlaoise and Maghaberry prisons, adding: "We call on all to campaign again for political status for our prisoners."
Together with the National Commemoration Committee, Republican Sinn Féin said it was organising Easter 1916 commemoration ceremonies in 28 counties.
Mr Des Long, Republican Sinn Féin vice-president, is to address a ceremony at the republican plot in Belfast's Milltown Cemetery.
In Dublin, a ceremony will be held at the GPO in O'Connell Street to be addressed by Mr Des Dalton of the organisation's Ard Chomhairle national executive.
PA