Text of letter sent to governments

This is the text of the letter to the British and Irish governments from the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning…

This is the text of the letter to the British and Irish governments from the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) confirming a second IRA act of decommissioning.

It was addressed to the Northern Secretary, Dr John Reid, and the Minister for Justice, Mr O'Donoghue:

"1. We wish to inform you that we have witnessed an event in which the IRA leadership has put a varied and substantial quantity of ammunition, arms and explosive material beyond use. In accordance with the governments' scheme and regulations, we have made an inventory of the arms concerned, which we will provide to the two governments when our task is completed.

2. As before, we have agreed to the IRA's condition of confidentiality regarding details of this event, as provided for in the same scheme and regulations.

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3. We will continue our discussions with the IRA representative in the pursuit of our remit. We will also continue our discussions with the loyalist paramilitary groups."

The statement was signed by Gen John de Chastelain, head of the IICD, and his colleague, Mr Andrew Sens.