IMC Report into Decomissioning highlights the Progress being made

The Independent Monitoring Commission (IMC) has released its 18th report giving its assessment of paramilitary activity, and the level of arms decommissioning. Northern Ireland has been transformed in recent years and this latest assessment by the IMC reinforces that move towards a more normalised society.

The IMC has reported that PIRA remains committed to, and does not believe it will be diverted from, the political path which it has followed for a number of years. This is backed up with the observation that republicans are engaging with the policing institutions and encouraging the reporting of crime in their areas.

The report also emphasises that there has been progress by loyalists. The IMC confirms that the UVF continues to pursue its 3rd May 2007 statement. I will reflect carefully on the IMC’s conclusions. I welcome the assessment that the UDA’s statement of the 11th November 2007 is an important signal of intent.

However loyalists will be judged on their actions and not just their words and it is clear that more needs to be done, including the decommissioning of weapons.

The IMC has reported that the brutal killing of Paul Quinn was clearly contrary to the instructions and strategy of the leadership of PIRA. It is aware of no evidence linking the leadership of PIRA to the incident.

I have met with the Quinn family; the PSNI and An Garda Siochana are co-operating very closely with the investigation to bring Paul Quinn’s murderers before the courts.

There is a continuing and ever-present threat from dissident republicans and the work of the PSNI and security services in combatting this threat is to be praised. The dissidents have no support across the wider community but are committed to doing what they can to destabilise the process. Northern Ireland has left these people behind.