Loyalist says it has decommissioned all weapons

LEADERS of Northern Ireland's largest loyalist paramilitary group, the Ulster Defence Association, said today it had decommissioned all weapons under its control.

The act was facilitated by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) under the leadership of General John De Chastelain.

The disarmament was verified by two independent witnesses – former Church of Ireland primate Lord (Robin) Eames and former top civil servant and chair of the Ulster Bank Sir George Quigley.

The announcement was made at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast by the UDA's political representative, the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG).

UPRG leader Frankie Gallagher said: "Today the leadership of the Ulster Defence Association can confirm that all weaponry under its control has been put verifiably beyond use.

"This historic decision has been taken as a result of unprecedented consultation of all Brigade areas throughout the British Isles."

Mr Gallagher said he wanted to pay tribute to former UDA members who had died or been imprisoned during the Troubles.

He added: "To all those in the community who have lost loved ones, we understand and we share in your sense of loss but we are determined and are willing to play our full part in ensuring that tragedy of the last 40 years will never happen again."

Mr Gallagher also categorically denied that the decommissioning was bought with the offer of Government investment in loyalist areas.