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Writing Peace: David Trimble Collection

UUP paper on dealing with terrorism 2 – Disbandment and decommissioning of weapons

Wednesday, 15 May 1996

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Ken Maginnis of the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) provides a detailed analysis and critique of the handling of PIRA disarmament and the broader political strategy leading up to the Good Friday Agreement negotiations. He emphasizes the need for a more expeditious and cohesive disarmament and verification process, criticizing the delays and public debates that allowed the PIRA to prepare countermeasures. Maginnis underscores the importance of understanding the current Sinn Féin/ PIRA position before the Inter-Party Talks and highlights the failures of Sinn Féin/ PIRA's military and political strategies. He suggests that the UUP's predictions about the PIRA's ceasefire being a ploy were accurate and stresses the necessity for the government to remain resolute on the Mitchell principles. Maginnis also discusses the potential roles of international figures like Senator George Mitchell and General John de Chastelain in the disarmament process, advocating for a clear separation between disarmament and political negotiations. He concludes by warning of the potential for the Irish Government and the SDLP to play a negative role, urging constant vigilance and clarification on contentious issues.

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Writing Peace: David Trimble Collection

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