IRA Says Armed Campaign Is Over

The IRA made its decision after an internal debate prompted by Mr Adams' call in April to pursue its goals exclusively through politics. Mr Adams said Thursday's statement was a "defining point in the search for a lasting peace with justice" and also presented challenges for others. "It means that unionists who are for the Good Friday Agreement must end their ambivalence," he said. "And it is a direct challenge to the DUP to decide if they want to put the past behind them, and make peace with the rest of the people of this island." In a joint communique the British and Irish governments welcomed the statement and said if the IRA's words "are borne out by actions, it will be a momentous and historic development." "Verified acts of completion will provide a context in which we will expect all parties to work towards the full operation of the political institutions, including the Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive, and the North-South structures, at the earliest practicable date," it said. Story from BBC NEWS: http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/4720863.stm Published: 2005/07/28 16:16:07 GMT [Proofreader's note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on August 1, 2005]

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