3 September 1998 Edition

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Praise for those who died for freedom

Sinn Fein Assembly member and party vice-President, Pat Doherty, addressing a large crowd at the West Tyrone Republican Graves Commemoration last Sunday in Strabane accused those behind the Omagh bombing of attempting to ``sully the names and memories of those who fought with integrity, dedication and commitment''.

``These republicans, some of them very young, were from East Donegal, and from West Tyrone areas of Castlederg, Aghyaran, Clady, Strabane and further afield. All of them died for a just cause, struggling against British rule in Ireland. That cause is still vibrant, that cause is still dynamic, that cause still remains to be fulfilled. They paid the supreme sacrifice; it now falls upon us to complete the task.

``While we remember them with pride at this time let us also remember the tragic events which occurred in Omagh just two short weeks ago.

``I would like to reiterate my condolences and those of Sinn Fein to those so tragically bereaved by the bomb in Omagh. I would also wish those injured a speedy recovery.''

Doherty went on to describe the Omagh bombing as ``reprehensible'' and targeted ``solely at ending the peace process which has been built up so painstakingly over recent years''.

Doherty went on to say it was incumbent on those in politics to redouble their efforts to reach a political settlement. Not just for the victims of Omagh. ``Republicans also owe it to our dead generations and their families that we will do all in our power to conclude this struggle through peaceful means so that future generations do not have to suffer the injustices, imprisonment and ultimate sacrifice which this and previous generations had to endure.

``The way to prevent conflict is not by passing `Draconian' laws, which are themselves unjust, but by genuinely addressing the cause of the conflict and removing them.''

He urged all within the political process, particularly the unionists, to work for the full implementation of the Good Friday document.

In conclusion he thanked the West Tyrone Republican Graves Committee ``for erecting this fine memorial cross and for organising so thoroughly this annual republican commemoration.''


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