Two weeks on, N.Ireland waits for IRA disarmament
Two weeks after the Irish Republican Army pledged to down arms, the guerrilla group has yet to prove it has disposed of any weapons, disappointing hopes it would begin disarming immediately.Britain has already started to cut its military presence in the province, which is emerging from a 30-year conflict that killed 3,600 people, in response to the July 28 declaration. The IRA’s announcement of a formal end to its armed struggle was widely hailed as a breakthrough in politically deadlocked Northern Ireland — provided the group’s promise to put its massive arsenal beyond use was fulfilled. In its statement, the IRA said this process would be concluded “as quickly as possible” to “enhance public confidence.”Full Story