The Ulster Democratic Party (UDP) submitted a document to the Independent Commission on Arms on 16 December 1995, outlining their stance on illegally held arms. The UDP emphasized their role in fostering conditions for peace and the cessation of hostilities by Loyalist paramilitary groups like the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF). They clarified that while they do not possess illegal weapons, they support the removal of such arms from society. The UDP criticized the elevation of the arms issue as a precondition for political negotiations, viewing it as an attempt to humiliate paramilitary organizations and create divisions. They argued that Loyalist paramilitary groups exist to protect their community from Republican aggression and that the British government has failed to adequately protect Northern Ireland's citizens. The UDP expressed distrust towards the intentions of both the British and Irish governments and highlighted the need for transparent and inclusive dialogue to build trust. They acknowledged the complexity of disarmament and the necessity of discussing practical mechanisms for decommissioning illegal arms. The UDP stressed that trust must be established through dialogue, and only then can a realistic approach to removing illegal weapons be achieved.
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