Focus on UDA guns as de Chastelain returns
By Brian Rowan
Belfast Telegraph
Monday, 6 July 2009
Decommissioning general John de Chastelain is back in Belfast — with the focus now firmly fixed on the UDA and the job of putting all that organisation’s weapons beyond use.
The general and Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) colleagues Andrew Sens and Tauno Nieminen will spend the week here — part of a regular monthly routine ahead of the August progress report they will deliver to the British and Irish Governments.
On their last visit a few weeks ago they witnessed “major” decommissioning by the UVF and Red Hand Commando, and what was described as a “significant” start to the process by the UDA.
Assessing what further short term progress can be made with that organisation is likely to be the key piece of work this week.
Paramilitary brigadier Jackie McDonald was quoted in a weekend newspaper report saying he hoped “full UDA decommissioning” could be achieved by the end of August.
But another organisation source was more cautious.
It wouldn’t be impossible,” he told this newspaper, “but I would say that’s ambitious.”
“It will take longer. There’s goodwill and everybody is moving in the right direction.
“The UDA is putting a big emphasis on talking to their people.
“I can’t see it being done that quickly (by August),” he said.
The UVF and linked Red Hand Commando claim to have decommissioned all weapons and explosives under their control.
“We’re finished,” a senior source told this newspaper.
It is thought likely the general and his commission colleagues will meet the UDA interlocutors in Belfast this week.
'So venceremos, beidh bua againn eigin lá eigin. Sealadaigh abú.'
--Bobby Sands