THE Loyalist Volunteer Force will not be taking part in a second act of decommissioning, Pastor Kenny McClinton said yesterday. Mr McClinton, official contact person between the LVF and Gen John de Chastelain's decommissioning body, was speaking following a visit to Maghaberry prison where he had discussions with a senior Portadown loyalist, Mark Fulton.
In recent weeks there had been growing speculation that the LVF was preparing to hand over a second batch of weapons for destruction. However, Mr McClinton said: "It is now clearly evident that the LVF will not be making any further commitment to the decommissioning process."
He said the LVF's decision not to proceed with any further weapons handover was based on a number of incidents which occurred during the period in office of the North's former Secretary of State, Dr Mo Mowlam.
"The LVF's ruling army council were alarmed that Dr Mowlam showed no interest in what could be achieved by further decommissioning. In fact, the LVF say Dr Mowlam treated their statement of intent with complete and utter disdain."
Mr McClinton also said he felt Dr Mowlam's attitude towards a further handover of LVF weapons was "dismissive and arrogant".
Her attitude, combined with prison treatment of Mark Fulton, which Mr McClinton claimed was a breach of basic human rights, had left the rank and file membership of the LVF "totally opposed to any form of decommissioning".
"It is also extremely unlikely that the arrival of Peter Mandelson as Secretary of State will do anything to change that attitude," Mr McClinton said.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Office said last night: "Decommissioning is an important part of the Good Friday agreement and the government wants to see a complete decommissioning of all illegally held weapons."