IRA Ceasefire Announced

The IRA announced shortly after 11am this morning that from midnight tonight there will be a “total cessation of violence”, and that the ceasefire will be “unconditional and open-ended”.

The text of the IRA statement is:

“Recognising the potential of the current situation and in order to advance the democratic peace process the IRA will call a ceasefire from 2400, Wednesday 31 August.

It will be a complete cessation of military operations and all our units have been instructed accordingly. Our struggle has seen many gains and advances made by nationalists for the democratic position.

We believe we are entering a new situation, a new opportunity and we note that the Downing Street Declaration is not a solution nor was it presented as such by its authors.

A solution will only be found as a result of inclusive negotiations.

Others, not least the British Government, have a duty to face up to their responsibilities.

In our desire to significantly contribute to the creation of a climate which will encourage this, we urge everybody to approach this new situation with determination and peace.”