SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES IRA DECISION TO END ARMED ACTIONS; SAYS

IF FULLY IMPLEMENTED, ‘WATERSHED’ IN NORTHERN IRELAND HISTORY

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) that it has decided to end armed actions in Northern Ireland and disarm.  This decision, if fully implemented, will be a watershed in the history of Northern Ireland.

The Secretary-General hopes the IRA will commit fully to the obligation it has just undertaken.  He calls on all parties concerned to seize this unique opportunity to consolidate the Good Friday Agreement.

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For information media • not an official record