Ivor Callely
Ceist:14 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the aspects of the Good Friday Agreement which refer to decommissioning and related matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4390/99]
Written Answers. - Good Friday Agreement.
The Good Friday Agreement includes a section which deals specifically with the issue of decommissioning. The participants to the Agreement are asked to reaffirm their commitment to the total disarmament of all paramilitary organisations. They are also asked to confirm their intention to continue to work constructively and in good faith with the Independent Commission, and to use any influence that they may have, to achieve the decommissioning of all paramilitary arms within two years following endorsement in referendums North and South of the agreement and in the context of an overall settlement.
As I outlined in my reply to Priority Questions Nos. 6 and 7, decommissioning was an essential part of the negotiations. Like all its aspects, the provisions of the Agreement in this area must be implemented in full.