NEWS RELEASES

July 28, 2005 (1:35 p.m. EDT)
No. 135

CANADA WELCOMES IRA STATEMENT

Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew welcomed today’s commitment by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) to end its 30 years of armed struggle in Northern Ireland. The IRA statement calls on its supporters to decommission their weapons and assist in the development of political and democratic programs through exclusively peaceful means.

The IRA leadership has also authorized a representative to engage with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, headed by Canada’s former Chief of the Defence Staff General John de Chastelain. This will complete the process of decommissioning IRA arms by means that are verifiable and will boost public confidence. 

“Canada has long supported the efforts of all parties to bring peace and reconciliation to the people of Northern Ireland,” said Minister Pettigrew. “This decision by the IRA is an unprecedented opportunity to advance the peace process. We are pleased to add our voice of support to the already strong endorsements given by the governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland to today’s commitment by the IRA.”

“We urge the IRA to move quickly to implement all aspects of this decision and all parties to cooperate in ending violence in Northern Ireland,” added the Minister. “Canada will continue to support the peace process through financial support to the International Fund for Ireland and through the vital work of Canadians such as General de Chastelain, former Justice William Hoyt, former Chief Justice Peter Cory and former RCMP Assistant Commissioner Al Hutchinson.”

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca