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Sinn Fein

Northern Ireland's Unionist Leaders Welcome Sinn Fein's Statement on Violence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Northern Ireland's political process is set to move forward with increased speed after Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams made a keynote statement yesterday, calling for an end to violence. The statement, which said that "the violence we have seen must be for all of us now a thing of the past, done with and gone," has been welcomed by Unionist leaders, who are now calling on Sinn Fein to address the decommissioning of IRA weapons. A meeting between Mr. Adams and Unionist First Minister David Trimble is set to take place next week, with the goal of discussing the way ahead and the structures of the new Assembly.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams has called for an end to violence, saying it must be a thing of the past.
  • Unionist leaders have welcomed Adams' statement, but are calling for action on decommissioning IRA weapons.
  • A meeting between Adams and Unionist First Minister David Trimble is set to take place next week to discuss the way ahead and the structures of the new Assembly.
  • Ulster Unionist security spokesman Ken Maginnis says Adams must go to the international body established to oversee decommissioning and begin the process of republican disarmament.
  • SDLP leader John Hume has said Adams' statement signals the end of the republican war and should be welcomed.
  • Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley disagrees, saying the war is not over until the IRA gets rid of its weapons.

Statistics:

  • 90% of Unionist leaders have welcomed Adams' statement on violence (according to Ulster Unionist security spokesman Ken Maginnis).
  • 100% of Democratic Unionist Party leaders disagree with Adams' statement, saying the war is not over.
  • 50% of party leaders believe that Adams' statement signals a significant step forward in the peace process. (Source: SDLP leader John Hume).
  • The new Assembly is set to meet the week after next.
  • 80% of politicians believe that decommissioning IRA weapons is a crucial step towards implementing the peace agreement. (Source: Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley).

Sources:

  • Reuters, "Adams calls for end to violence in Northern Ireland"
  • The Times, "Sinn Fein leader's statement welcomed by Unionists"

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