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Writing Peace: The National Archives of Ireland (NAI)

Statement issued by Seamus Mallon on the issue of decommissioning, 30 September 1996

Monday, 30 September 1996

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This statement by Seamus Mallon, a member of the SDLP (Social Democratic and Labour Party) on 30 September 1996 expresses concern over the lack of progress in the Stormont talks. Mallon blames the delay on the unionist parties, criticizing the approach of unionist leaders and the use of the decommissioning issue as a tool of obstruction by the British establishment. The statement emphasizes that voluntary disarmament is a political matter, as opposed to imposed decommissioning which is a security matter, and urges unionist leaders to clarify the difference to the public. Mallon also emphasizes the importance of continued negotiations to persuade weapon-holding paramilitaries and refers back to the Mitchell report which makes clear that political progress will come before decommissioning. The statement reiterates the anti-weapon stance of the SDLP and argues that the inclusivity of Sinn Fein in negotiations is necessary to this goal, again expressing approval of the Mitchell principles as opposed to the Washington Three. Mallon concludes by questioning whether the Governments will follow the immobility of the unionist parties in seeking a ceasefire.

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