Ritchie challenges UDA: decommissioning must happen

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie today challenged the UDA to begin decommissioning its weapons.

Otherwise, she said, the funding provided to the Conflict Transformation Initiative (CTI) project involving the Ulster Political Research Group will cease 60 days from now.

The Minister explained that in light of the recent UDA-linked violence at Carrickfergus and Kilcooley she was not prepared to continue supporting the project in the absence of any clear evidence of decommissioning and reducing criminality.

She said: “I abhor paramilitarism of whatever hue. It and the violence, intimidation and criminality which it almost invariably spawns have no place in a peaceful modern society. There is no excuse now for paramilitarism. It is time for all those who subject their communities to thuggery, extortion and violence under the pretence of defending them to get off the stage.”

The Minister reiterated her concerns about the CTI project, which was given funding under Direct Rule. She said, however, that she recognised that some good work had been achieved so far, and emphasised that the current situation in no way reflects the efforts of the Farset organisation in managing the project.

The Minister continued: “The project is predicated on the expectation that the UDA would move away from violence and, frankly, get off the backs of the communities where it is based. Helping those communities to begin to flourish again and promoting their interests is, and will remain, my priority in dealing with this matter.”

"The actions of recent days are a clear breach of the basis on which funding was awarded and I have seriously considered withdrawing the funding immediately. I have based my decision on what will offer the best future for these communities.

“I have decided therefore that the funding for the CTI project will cease unless there is clear evidence that the UDA means what it says. The funding will end 60 days from now unless there is clear and demonstrable evidence that the UDA has engaged meaningfully with the Independent Internnational Commission on Decommissioning and has started to decommission its weapons. I will also want to see evidence that the UDA has moved irreversibly away from criminality and violence to positive and lawful community transformation.”

If the required evidence and commitment are forthcoming the funding for the project will remain in place as long as progress towards decommissioning and reducing violence and criminality is sustained.

Ms Ritchie concluded: “I agree with the Chief Constable, we are not getting payback for the commitment we have shown. It is not on to say that decommissioning is not on the agenda. Decommissioning weapons, ending criminality and stopping extortion are the agenda. Delivering peace and stability to all our community is the priority.

“As DSD Minister I am committed to making a difference to the lives and life chances of the most disadvantaged in our community. The UDA has an opportunity to contribute to that process. I know that I speak for all when I urge them to take that opportunity and provide for a totally peaceful future.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. Minister Ritchie’s full statement is available at http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/conflict-transformation-initiative.htm
2. David Hanson announced the funding of £1.2million over three years on 22 March 07.
3. The funding is being managed and accounted for by Farset Community Enterprises, who recruited and employ the staff involved in the Project. They also oversee the project administration and provide regular monitoring reports to the Department for Social Development.
4. The contract includes specific conditions for ending of paramilitary activity and significant reductions in crime and criminality associated with paramilitary activity.
5. The funding is being used to employ development workers and their office costs. They have been working in disadvantaged loyalist areas in an effort to end paramilitary control. Farset has been asked to put the staff involved on protective notice.
6. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office 028 9082 9078 / 028 9082 9497. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.