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South Africa Welcomes the Irish Republican Army's (IRA's) Decommissioning
of its Weapons Tshwane: The South African government joins the international
community in welcoming the courageous decision by the Irish Republican Army (IRA)
to decommission all its arms beyond use. This follows the report from the Independent
International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) that the IRA's arsenal of weapons,
explosives and ammunition has been put beyond use. President Mbeki stated
that "On this historic occasion, South Africa pays tribute to the IRA and
the peace-loving people of Northern Ireland for this demonstration of their commitment
to peace. The President reiterated what he expressed on the 28th July 2005, that
"one can now be more optimistic than ever, that the process to peace in this
lovely island will be steady and successful". President Mbeki further added
that "all arms in the hands of other parties must now be decommissioned and
all para-military activity brought to an end." In South Africa's view,
the completion of the IRA decommissioning offers a ground-breaking opportunity
for progress in building lasting peace in Northern Ireland and must be acknowledged
and commended. Issued by: Nomfanelo Kota at 082 459 3787 Department
of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001 27 September
2005 | 
