'Real' IRA says it is committed to armed campaign

The 'Real' IRA leadership said today it is committed to an armed campaign to end British rule in Northern Ireland.

The 'Real' IRA leadership said today it is committed to an armed campaign to end British rule in Northern Ireland.

In a statement read out at an Easter commemoration in west Belfast, it said it was aware it faced an uphill struggle.

"The volunteers appreciate the fact that the task ahead will be difficult in the extreme, given the strength of the forces ranged against us.

"We reiterate we are in this struggle for the long haul until ultimate victory is achieved. Let all be clear - we will settle for nothing else."

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The Real IRA condemned the "spider's web of treachery and deceit from Downing Street, Leinster House and Parnell Square (Sinn Fein headquarters)".

By endorsing the Belfast Agreement, the Provisional IRA and Sinn Féin had copper-fastened partition, helped administer British rule, and then destroyed weapons. They were now about to sign up to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, "a British colonial police force".

The 'Real' IRA condemned the Government, Sinn Féin and the SDLP for paying "shameful obeisance to the war lords of Washington and London" by meeting President Bush and Mr Blair at Hillsborough.

"True republicans" rejected such betrayal and remained prepared to "carry out any action which is required of them to enhance the cause for which so much was sacrificed by so many".

Around 100 people attended the commemoration in Milltown Cemetery, led by a colour party of men and women in black clothing, berets and sunglasses. It was the first Easter parade held by the 32 County Sovereignty Movement in Belfast.