IRA statement must be matched by action - Opik

6.55.40pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 29th Jul 2005

Commenting on today's statement by the IRA, Liberal Democrat Shadow Northern Ireland Secretary, Lembit Opik MP said:

"This is indeed a very significant statement but its sentiment needs to be matched by action.

"If there is going to be progress made in restoring the devolved institutions and building trust between the parties in Northern Ireland, it is crucial that the IRA halts all illegal activity immediately. This must include stopping paramilitary beatings, intimidations, forcibly exiling people and all involvement in criminal activity.

"Sinn Fein must also reconsider its decision thus far not to participate in the policing arrangements in Northern Ireland.

"The next weeks and months will be extremely important in assessing the consequences of today's statement.

"The Independent Monitoring Commissioning will have a significant role in this regard, and I look forward to the publication of its next report."