THE loyalist ceasefire is under severe strain after UDA prisoners withdrew support for the peace process yesterday. The decision comes after the discovery of a car bomb in Belfast city centre planted by dissident republicans.
The car bomb was not cited as the sole reason for the announcement, but as one of a number of elements, including lack of remission for loyalist prisoners, which have contributed to the prisoners' frustration.
The decision has caused deep unease because loyalist prisoners played a key role in bringing about the ceasefire almost two years ago. Their withdrawal from th9 peace process further undermines a ceasefire which has been under severe pressure in recent months.
It follows warnings about the fragility of the ceasefire from spokesmen for political representatives of the UVF and UDA, and from the Presbyterian minister, the Rev Roy Magee, who helped broker the cessation.
They expressed particular concern that the maintenance of the ceasefire was not being reciprocated by sufficient remission for loyalist prisoners.
Mr David Adams of the Ulster Democratic Party (UDP), which is linked to the UDA, said the prisoners' decision was caused by a combination of factors, including the Belfast car bomb, the IRA explosives find in London, and lack of movement on the early release of loyalist prisoners.
The UDP would continue to urge restraint. "We don't believe loyalists should be dragged into a situation where they would appear to be reacting to a republican agenda."
Mr John White, the UDP's prisons spokesman, said the decision could have far reaching consequences. He said loyalist prisoners had played a crucial role in securing the ceasefire.
Their withdrawal from that process could have dire consequences for everyone," he said.
Mr White, who learned of the decision when he visited the Maze yesterday, said he was very concerned at the announcement. I think this could develop into a crisis", he added.
He said loyalist prisoners were very annoyed that republicans were talking of peace while preparing for war". He had a 2 1/2 hour intensive meeting with the prisoners yesterday, and the decision to withdraw from the peace process was fully supported by all UDA prisoners.
Mr White said it was commonly acknowledged that if the loyalist prisoners had not supported the Combined Loyalist Military Command (CLMC) ceasefire of 1994 there would have been no such ceasefire.
He said the UDP was still committed to the process, and members would be endeavouring to convince loyalist paramilitaries not to be provoked into retaliating against IRA or republican violence.
"We will continue having our meetings with the prisoners and try and convey to them the same feelings," said Mr White.
A UDA source said he expected the loyalist paramilitary leadership would meet shortly to assess the implications of the prisoners' decision and to decide how to proceed.
Mr David Ervine of the Progressive Unionist Party, which is linked to the UVF, said he was unaware of any similar withdrawal of support for the peace process from UVF prisoners. His party was regularly in contact with UVF prisoners and if there was any comment to make on the matter it would be made at the appropriate time.
Until such time the PUP would be making no comment on the matter, Mr Ervine said.
Mr Ken Maginnis, the Ulster Unionist Party security spokesman, said the development was very disturbing.
