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Loyalist weapons put 'beyond use' Loyalist weapons put 'beyond use'
(31 minutes later)
Two Northern Ireland loyalist paramilitary groups have said they have completed the process of decommissioning. Two Northern Ireland loyalist paramilitary groups have said they have completed decommissioning.
The UVF and Red Hand Commando said their weapons and explosives were "totally and irreversibly beyond use".The UVF and Red Hand Commando said their weapons and explosives were "totally and irreversibly beyond use".
Another loyalist group, the Ulster Defence Association, confirmed it had started to decommission its arsenal.Another loyalist group, the Ulster Defence Association, confirmed it had started to decommission its arsenal.
Between them, the UDA and UVF killed almost 1,000 people during the Troubles, most of them Catholic. NI Secretary Shaun Woodward said it was "an historic day for Northern Ireland". Between them, the UDA and UVF killed almost 1,000 people in the Troubles.
In a statement, the leadership of the UVF/RHC said the disarmament process was overseen by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) and in the presence of international witnesses. Four years ago, the IRA put its weapons beyond use in decommissioning witnessed by two churchmen.
It said the process had begun last Autumn but had been "suspended" following the dissident republican killings of a policeman and two soldiers in March.
Unlikely figure behind moveUnlikely figure behind move
"Assurances were sought from the government that those responsible would be vigorously pursued," it said. In a statement on Saturday, the leadership of the UVF/RHC said the disarmament process was overseen by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) and in front of international witnesses.
"Only when forthright assurances were given and it became clear that they would be honoured did our process resume." It said the process had begun last Autumn but had been "suspended" following the dissident republican killings of a policeman and two soldiers in March.
The process resumed after government assurances were given "that those responsible would be vigorously pursued".
Dawn Purvis: 'It is time to move on'Dawn Purvis: 'It is time to move on'
The leader of the UVF-linked Progressive Unionist Party, Dawn Purvis, said the "war is over", adding Saturday was a "momentous day".The leader of the UVF-linked Progressive Unionist Party, Dawn Purvis, said the "war is over", adding Saturday was a "momentous day".
She said it showed that "peaceful, stable, inclusive democracy" was the way forward.She said it showed that "peaceful, stable, inclusive democracy" was the way forward.
She added: "Eventually loyalists and republicans must sit down for the good of our country, if we claim to be patriots."She added: "Eventually loyalists and republicans must sit down for the good of our country, if we claim to be patriots."
PUP representative Billy Hutchinson, who was a UVF prisoner, said the move "cements the peace process".PUP representative Billy Hutchinson, who was a UVF prisoner, said the move "cements the peace process".
He added: "No one other than the UVF and Red Hand Commando brought us to this position".He added: "No one other than the UVF and Red Hand Commando brought us to this position".
In a separate statement, the UDA confirmed it had started a process that would lead to the destruction of all its arms.In a separate statement, the UDA confirmed it had started a process that would lead to the destruction of all its arms.
It said: "The dark days are now behind us and it is time to move on.It said: "The dark days are now behind us and it is time to move on.
"There is no place for guns and violence in the new society we are building. It is time to work for a better future.""There is no place for guns and violence in the new society we are building. It is time to work for a better future."
Earlier this month, the BBC learned that the three loyalist paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland had decommissioned weapons.
It followed months of increasing pressure from the government, and secret talks amongst loyalist groups.
The government was told of the UVF move by General John de Chastelain, head of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD).
General de Chastelain is believed to have briefed the Northern Ireland Office.
Four years ago the IRA put its weapons beyond use in decommissioning witnessed by two churchmen.
The latest decommissioning comes ahead of Secretary of State Shaun Woodward's August deadline for significant progress on loyalist arms.The latest decommissioning comes ahead of Secretary of State Shaun Woodward's August deadline for significant progress on loyalist arms.
Speaking on Saturday, Mr Woodward said it was "an historic day for people in Northern Ireland". Speaking on Saturday, Mr Woodward said: "I have always kept faith with the peace and political process of which the decommissioning legislation has played a crucial part."
"I have always kept faith with the peace and political process of which the decommissioning legislation has played a crucial part," he said.
"This is proof that decommissioning works and today's acts of leadership are further testimony to the transformation in Northern Ireland."
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