Cablegate: Media Reaction - End of Ira's Armed Struggle

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001607

SIPDIS

STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PD, INR/IAA, PM, INL
STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/PDA
AMEMBASSY FOR PAO, IO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC PTER CI UK
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - END OF IRA'S ARMED STRUGGLE

On July 29, government-owned, editorially independent
"La Nacion" (circ. 3,800) ran a column by defense
journalist Raul Sohr entitled, "The Conclusion of a
Phase." Quote:

"The IRA ended more than 30 years of armed struggle....
In London there was enormous satisfaction over the
IRA's announcement, as it reflects the success of a
strategy that in recent years had emphasized political
negotiations. Despite attacks, the British government
never cut its ties with Sinn Fein.... They were well
aware of the communications channels between the
political arm of the IRA and those who carried arms.
They knew Sinn Fein was not merely a conduit to reach
those in the underground, but also a means to influence
them. Many demanded that Sinn Fein be declared
illegal, but vision triumphed over the pressure and the
demands were resisted. Thus ends a process that now
buries weapons to fully enter politics. The latest
election shows the IRA, through Sinn Fein, will harvest
more victories with votes than with bombs."

KELLY

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