THE ULSTER Defence Association has finally decommissioned its guns and explosives in a move which has been independently witnessed and verified by Gen John de Chastelain.
The announcement was made yesterday in Belfast by the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG), which provides political analysis for what has been Northern Ireland’s largest paramilitary group.
Its best-known spokesman, Frankie Gallagher, said the UDA’s disarmament had been completed and had been overseen by Lord (Robin) Eames, the former Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh, and businessman Sir George Quigley.
Reading a detailed statement, Mr Gallagher said the “historic decision” to decommission had been taken with the agreement of all the UDA’s “brigades”.
He said the decision flowed from the so-called John Gregg Initiative, named after a former senior UDA figure who attempted to shoot dead Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams in 1984 and who was himself murdered in 2003.
“Consequently, the issue of loyalist weaponry no longer presents an obstacle to the development of our communities.”
Mr Gallagher paid tribute to what he called the courage and fortitude of UDA members and loyalist communities. He added that an opportunity now exists for all political parties “to create an era where all our communities can benefit from stability, investment and growth within its region of the United Kingdom and enjoy the benefits of freedom and diversity”.
The Independent International Commission on Decommissioning said: “We have now conducted a major act of decommissioning in which arms, ammunition, explosives and explosive devices belonging to the UDA have been destroyed within the terms of our mandate.
“The leadership of the UDA has informed us that these armaments constitute the totality of those under their control. The IICD reminds paramilitary organisations which may still have arms in their possession that we have until February 9th this year to complete our mandate and we urge them to contact us soon to that effect.”
In response to questions, Mr Gallagher denied that the UDA’s decision had been “bought” with state money as part of some deal.
There has been a widespread welcome for the decommissioning from the British and Irish governments, the main political parties and churches.
Lord Eames and Sir George said they were pleased to have witnessed such a positive step. “It is vital that what has happened should not only close an old chapter but should open a new and a very different one. Those within loyalism who have eschewed violence and criminality and who are genuinely committed to helping transform their communities need to be supported, and those communities fully integrated into the political process. It was such an approach that facilitated republicanism’s successful involvement in the shaping of a new future.”
Martin McAleese, President Mary McAleese’s husband, has been linked with efforts to assist underprivileged loyalist areas with public funds for regeneration.
Taoiseach Brian Cowen said: “Taken together with the completion of decommissioning by the IRA and the UVF, it is a clear signal that Northern Ireland has moved on and that the democratic institutions established by the Good Friday agreement are the means through which the entire community in Northern Ireland, and the people of these islands, can and will build lasting peace and prosperity.”
Northern Secretary Shaun Woodward said the move was “a major act of leadership by the UDA” and provided “yet more evidence that firmness of government policy, with a clear deadline have produced a startlingly strong outcome, removing some of the most dangerous weapons from the streets”.