An Phoblacht/Republican News

---

IRA statement on arms

---

October 21, 2003

The following is the full text of a statement issued by the IRA in the past hour revealing that is has engaged in a third act of disarmament:

The leadership of the IRA welcomed today's speech by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams in which he accurately reflects our position.

He also referred to the issue of weapons.

The IRA leadership is committed to resolving this issue.

In line with our stated position, we have authorised our representative to meet with the IICD [decommissioning body] with a view to proceeding with the implementation of a process to put arms beyond use at the earliest opportunity.

We have also authorised a further act of putting arms beyond use.

This will be verified under the agreed scheme.

Signed
P O'Neill