Reaction to possible UVF arms move
There are strong indications that there has been a significant act of decommissioning by a loyalist paramilitary grouping in Northern Ireland.
PETER ROBINSON, FIRST MINISTER, DUP
Over the last nine months the DUP has been engaged in ongoing discussions with both the UDA and UVF leaderships.
Part of this process is ensuring the organisations wind down their paramilitary structures and decommission their weaponry.
The DUP is aware of the organisations’ engagement with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning.
The party would certainly welcome any move by the organisations to decommission their weapons and cease from their paramilitary activity however we do not want to pre-empt the outcome of this process.
DAVID FORD, ALLIANCE LEADER
This appears to be a significant development.
Progress from loyalist paramilitaries was needed and I hope there can be swift and full decommissioning.
For decades, paramilitary groups from both sides have held communities in their grip of fear.
I hope that this move will lead to the end, not simply another endgame.
Loyalists are now at the point where they must comply with the IICD before the expiry of the six month deadline handed down by the Secretary of State.
SIR REG EMPEY, UUP LEADER
The Ulster Unionist Party welcomes the news that loyalists have now began to decommission.
This is something that we have been working on for the last few years and it shows the progress that Northern Ireland has made.
Although the timing is somewhat later than we had hoped, we do welcome this move as the way forward and we will be working on the ground to ensure that it is completed.
GERRY KELLY, SINN FEIN MLA
The IRA dealt with the issue of arms in a decisive way four years ago.
If these reports prove to be true and the UVF have now followed suit then that would obviously be a welcome move.
It is also important that other armed organisations go down this road. Politics is now working and there is no basis for any organisation holding onto arms.
ALBAN MAGINNESS, SDLP
Obviously it is good if weapons have been done away with under the supervision of the body charged with decommissioning.
But circumstances have changed greatly since General de Chastelain first undertook his role.
The loyalist groups have sorely tried our patience for long enough and there should be no element of bargaining in completing decommissioning.
Time has run out. All the loyalist groups must give up their weapons and go out of business without further delay.
MARK THOMPSON, RELATIVES FOR JUSTICE
Any move towards decommissioning of weapons is to be welcomed and encouraged.
Emphasis now needs to be on truth and dealing with the legacy of the conflict in an independent way.
Decommissioning mindsets and prejudice must be part of the overall process of decommissioning and this can only be achieved by a greater exploration and understanding of our collective past.
