Gerry Adams accurately reflects our position - IRA

The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann released a statement on Tuesday welcoming the speech made by Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams, saying it accurately reflected the army's position. Later in the day, the IRA released a second statement, confirming that it had completed a further act of putting arms beyond use.

First IRA statement

"The leadership of the IRA welcomes today's speech by Sinn Féin 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 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."

P O'Neill,

Irish Republican Publicity Bureau,

Dublin.

Second IRA Statement

"The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann confirms that a further act of putting arms beyond use has taken place under the agreed scheme."

P O'Neill,

Irish Republican Publicity Bureau,

Dublin.