Mbeki hails IRA 'peace path'

2005-07-28 23:07

Cape Town - President Thabo Mbeki congratulated the Irish Republican Army (IRA) on Thursday on giving up its armed struggle and choosing the "peace path".

"Today's (Thursday) announcement that the IRA has given up the use of armed resistance to achieve its aims can be rated as one of the most encouraging events in decades of protracted struggle in Northern Ireland," said Mbeki.

"By renouncing violence, committing itself to handing in its arms and seeking political means to realise its aspirations, the IRA has clearly chosen the peace path."

In this, it had set an example to the rest of humankind, in much the same way that South Africans chose such a course, despite years of conflict and racism, in the early 1990s, leading to the settlement of 1994 and the advent of democratic life in the country.

SA offers 'warmest congratulations'

"Mr Gerry Adams (leader of the IRA's political wing Sinn Fein) personally contacted and briefed me about this encouraging event, and outlined what can be viewed only as a realistic path to peaceful resolution of the impasse, given the will on all sides to make peace work.

"We encourage all concerned in every way possible to hold fast to this historic decision, and to appreciate that there is every reason why any remaining forces that would favour violence, from any quarter, should be opposed," he said.

The government and people of South Africa offered their warmest congratulations to all those concerned in this brave and far-sighted decision.

Mbeki said: "As president, I would add my personal congratulations. One can now be more optimistic than ever that the process to peace in the lovely island of Ireland will be steady and successful."

- SAPA