Question:
170 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the murders among loyalists in Northern Ireland which took place in August 2000. [19283/00]
Written Answers. - Northern Ireland Issues.
The people of the Shankill and other loyalist communities in Northern Ireland have endured terrible violence and intimidation over the past two months. Three men lost their lives during the month of August as a direct result of the feuding between the main loyalist paramilitary groups, and many have been injured. Particularly disturbing is the fact that an 11 year old girl was among those seriously injured. Hundreds of people have been forced to leave their homes as a result of intimidation on the Shankill, which has been linked to the feud.
The families of the dead and injured and those who have been forced out of their homes have both my sympathy and that of the Government. No one, from any community in Northern Ireland has a mandate to engage in murder, violence or intimidation. The people of this island, North and South, in endorsing the Belfast Agreement, have decided on a future based on democratic principles, peaceful resolution of division and mutual respect.
I hope the efforts being made to mediate between the feuding parties reach a successful outcome. I encourage all those with influence in the loyalist community to use their best endeavours to bring about such a resolution.