Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

Archbishop Alan Harper today said:

"I welcome the announcement by the UDA that the UFF is to stand down and that weaponry will be put beyond use. I believe that this is an important step in the process of the normalisation of society in loyalist areas.

"I note that the UDA has announced that it is not ready for the surrendering of weapons and that reference has been made to continuing lack of confidence within loyalism. The recognition that "the war is over" is an important declaration which should give some confidence to Nationalists and Republicans. What is now necessary is a continuation of confidence building measures in loyalist areas to ensure that not only is weaponry unacceptable but that there is a clear understanding that its retention is unnecessary."