Vol. 514 No. 4
76 Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the work of his Department since 22 December 1999 in relation to British demilitarisation in the six counties, in particular south Armagh. [4391/00]
In the Good Friday Agreement, the British Government accepted a commitment to publishing an overall strategy dealing with troop levels, security installations, removal of emergency powers and other measures appropriate to and compatible with a normal peaceful society.
The strategy statement, published on 22 December 1999, outlined what has been achieved to date and, in general terms, the further steps to be undertaken by the British Government. Since the publication, my Department has continued to maintain close contact with the British authorities, the parties and other groups on the matter.
The Government strongly believes that, in the light of the sustained peace, a real opportunity now exists for significant moves on security normalisation. In this regard, we welcomed the announcement in December 1999 by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland of a review of specific security arrangements. This includes installations throughout Northern Ireland. The Government's views on the review have been conveyed to the British authorities.
Officials from my Department remain in regular contact with individuals and groups in the areas affected by the issue. I firmly believe that, in line with the Good Friday Agreement, the current review should facilitate the earliest possible announcement of further specific action on normalisation.
