11 December 1997 Edition
Hundreds at Maghera Saoirse rally
Speaking at last Wednesday night's Saoirse torchlight march and rally in Maghera, which was attended by hundreds of South Derry nationalists, Sinn Féin's Francie Molloy said:
``The release of politically motivated prisoners is crucial to the peace process. The two are inextricably linked. Immediate movement on the issue of prisoner releases would serve as a first sign that the British government are bringing to the present process an acknowledgement of their responsiblity for the past conflict.
``Inaction on prison issues and, in particular, on the release of prisoners has eroded confidence in the peace process itself when what is required is concrete confidence building measures to enhance the climate in which agreement on an overall political settlement is being sought.
``It is inconceivable that the early release of prisoners sentenced as a result of the conflict can be divorced from the peace process. This is fundamental. All political prisoners must be released.''
``The release of politically motivated prisoners is crucial to the peace process. The two are inextricably linked. Immediate movement on the issue of prisoner releases would serve as a first sign that the British government are bringing to the present process an acknowledgement of their responsiblity for the past conflict.
``Inaction on prison issues and, in particular, on the release of prisoners has eroded confidence in the peace process itself when what is required is concrete confidence building measures to enhance the climate in which agreement on an overall political settlement is being sought.
``It is inconceivable that the early release of prisoners sentenced as a result of the conflict can be divorced from the peace process. This is fundamental. All political prisoners must be released.''