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The
leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann extends fraternal
(and sisterly) greetings to republican activists,
donors, supporters, sponsors, friends, charter members,
friends of friends, and platinum club members at home
and abroad.
On
this, the 87th anniversary of the Easter Rising, we
commemorate all of those who have given us their lives
for Irish freedom (o.n.o.).
We
extend solidarity to the families of our fallen comrades.
In particular, we extend our solidarity to the family
of our comrade, Volunteer Keith Rogers, who died while
defending the Republic at Cullaville petrol station
on 12 March. We also remember at this time those who
attacked the Republic on this occasion. Precisely
what we will be extending to them need not be specified
at this time, but a switch from unleaded may be on
their horizon.
We
extend solidarity to our imprisoned comrades and their
families. The movement will not cease to campaign
for their release, save where an election is imminent.
We
commend the commitment and discipline of most of the
Volunteers of Oglaigh na hEireann.
We
remain committed to our republican objectives, the
establishment of an Irish Republic, as outlined in
the Proclamations of 1916 and 1998.
The
root cause of conflict in Ireland is partition and
the denial of self-determination to the people of
Ireland, together with the suspension of Stormont.
All
parties to the conflict have a role to play in bringing
conflict to an end. For most parties that role is
unconditional surrender.
For
our part, we have demonstrated our commitment to creating
a just and lasting peace through the maintenance of
our cessations and through a number of significant
initiatives.
It
is not possible, at this moment, to give a definitive
comment on ongoing developments, but an anonymous
statement on behalf of a paramilitary organisation
should surely be assurance enough for anyone.
On
Sunday 13 April, an Army statement said that we had
shared concepts, a light supper and draft elements
on a range of issues with the British and Dublin governments.
We gave our attitude on:
.
the current disposition of Oglaigh na hEireann and
the status of our cessations,
.
our future intentions,
.
our attitude to re-engagement with the IICD and engagement
in a process of putting arms, including our own, beyond
use,
.
a third act of putting arms beyond use (fourth if
you count Cullaville)
.
security at petrol stations
.
our position on Ireland's Eurovision entry
.
the war in Iraq (time permitting)
We
also made it clear that we had then closed on a statement
after internal consultation.
The
following day a finalised statement was passed to
the two governments and leaked to the Sunday Business
Post.
We
stand ready to issue that statement in due course.
The statement confirms our intention to make an announcement
about the nature and timing of a declaration about
the status of a proposed communique.
We
continue to monitor events very closely. We are furthermore
considering a proposal whereby we would start to monitor
them extremely closely.
There
has been much anger and annoyance among republicans
at the media spins and leaks over recent days that
have attempted to misrepresent our position. We are
determined to improve the quality of these in future.
We
know that the majority of republicans have not seen
the statement that was passed to the two governments.
We know that the majority of republicans will accept
that and not bellyache about it.
We
ask people to remain patient. We know that republicans
will understand the sensitivities of the current situation.
We remain willing to visit personally any republican
who does not understand the sensitivities of the current
situation in order to ensure that they do.
We
will speak for ourselves at the appropriate time.
We will not speak for ouselves at the inappropriate
time.
This
is a period for republicans to remain resolute. This
is not a period for republicans to remain irresolute.
Should such a situation arise, republicans will be
informed of the fact.
The
onus remains on the two governments and the political
parties to fulfil their obligations and commitments.
We are responsible for nothing.
pp
O'Neill
Caribbean Irish Republican Publicity Bureau
Provo
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