Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Claude Moraes MEP, British Labour party

Claude Moraes MEP, the lead member on London's Labour Party list has issued the following statement on the IRA initiative to put its weapons beyond use.

"As a London MEP, who grew up in West Central Scotland with a Catholic background, I have followed the both the troubles and the Irish Peace Process for many years. On behalf of my London constituents, I welcome whole-heartedly, the statement of the independent International Commission on Decommissioning on the hugely welcome IRA initiative to put its arms beyond use.

"This is a major symbolic and practical initiative and the IRA should be commended on this historic move.

"It is now incumbent on my own Government and the Unionist political parties to restart discussions immediately within the Peace Process. Ian Paisley's DUP must talk directly to Sinn Féin and the Good Friday agreement must be implemented in full.

"It is vital for the DUP to engage in direct talks with the aim of full implementation of the agreement.

"Finally, I commend the work of my fellow MEPs Bairbre de Brún and Mary Lou McDonald for their work in taking the Peace Process forward." ENDS