>>>>>> IRA Easter Message 2001
The leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann extends fraternal
greetings to republican activists, supporters and friends at home
and abroad.
We reaffirm our belief that the British government claim to a
part of Ireland, its denial of self-determination to the people
of the island of Ireland, the partition of our country and the
maintenance of social and economic inequality are the root causes
of conflict. We reaffirm our commitment to the national
reunification of Ireland.
On this, the 85th anniversary of the Easter Rising, we remember
all of those who have given their lives in the cause of Irish
Freedom. We salute the courage and fortitude of our Volunteers
who have died in this phase of our historic struggle.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of our ten comrades who
died on hunger strike in Long Kesh. We remember Bobby Sands,
Francis Hughes, Raymond McCreesh, Patsy O'Hara, Joe McDonnell,
Martin Hurson, Kevin Lynch, Kieran Doherty, Thomas McElwee and
Michael Devine. By their courageous actions and sacrifice they
smashed the British government's attempt to criminalise our
struggle for freedom. We also remember Michael Gaughan and Frank
Stagg. This generation of republicans hold all of those who died
on hunger strike in the same regard as previous generations held
the men executed in 1916.
We extend solidarity to their families and to the families of all
our fallen comrades.
We also extend our solidarity to our imprisoned comrades at home
and abroad and to their families. Many of our comrades have now
been released under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement; the
republican prisoners held in Castlerea should also be released.
Since 1994 the IRA has maintained cessations of military
operations.
While not being party to the Good Friday Agreement, we have taken
a number of unprecedented initiatives which further demonstrate
our commitment to and desire for a permanent peace in Ireland.
We commend the resolve and discipline of our Volunteers in this
period.
The political responsibility for ending the current crisis lies
with the British government. There should be no attempt to
renegotiate commitments previously made. Those who seek to defeat
the IRA and Irish republicanism will not prevail.
Oglaigh na hEireann remains committed to the achievement of our
republican objectives and the vision of an Irish Republic as
outlined in the Proclamation of 1916.
Beirigi bua.
P O'Neill,
Irish Republican Publicity Bureau,
Dublin
c. RM Distribution and others. Articles may be reprinted with credit.
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