Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Congressman Jim Walsh welcomes IRA statement

Statement by Rep. Jim Walsh (NY-25), Chairman of the United States Congress' bicameral Friends of Ireland Committee, Co-chair of the U.S.-Irish Inter-parliamentary group, and author of the Walsh Visa bill - the only U.S. legislation associated with the Northern Ireland peace process, on today's announcement by the IRA:

"Today's statement by the IRA marks a significant move forward for the Northern Ireland Peace Process.

"The dumping of all weaponry by the IRA demonstrates full faith in the political abilities and negotiating skill of the Sinn Fein peace strategy.

"Through their highlighted initiatives and the continued implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, I am optimistic a true and lasting peace can be achieved in short order and maintained well into the future. It is imperative that all political parties and traditions match this measure of good faith by continuing to push this process forward.

"A shining light can be seen at the end of long tunnel, and I am proud of the role the President and this Congress have played in reaching this historic milestone."