THE IRA army council statement issued yesterday said:
We wish to confirm that representatives of the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann met with John Hume and Gerry Adams at their request. There was a detailed and open exchange of views. We listened attentively to the case presented by both leaders and noted their shared commitment to restoring the peace process.
For our part we restated our absolute commitment to our republican objectives which include the free exercise by the Irish people of our inalienable right to national self determination.
We also took the opportunity to reiterate what we said on February 9th, stressing that a resolution of the conflict in our country demands justice and an inclusive negotiated settlement without preconditions.
We pointed out to Mr Hume and Mr Adams that the failure by the British government to put in place inclusive negotiations free from preconditions, the abuse of the peace process by the British over 18 months, and the absence of an effective and democratic approach capable of providing an irrevocable momentum towards a just and lasting peace in Ireland were the critical elements which led to the failure, thus far, of the Irish peace process.
We repeat that we are prepared to face up to our responsibilities. Others need to do likewise.