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UVF murder report 'uncomfortable' UVF murder report 'uncomfortable'
(about 1 hour later)
A forthcoming report on the police handling of a UVF murder is likely to be "extremely uncomfortable" for the British state, Peter Hain has said.A forthcoming report on the police handling of a UVF murder is likely to be "extremely uncomfortable" for the British state, Peter Hain has said.
The NI secretary was speaking at a meeting of the Preparation for Government Committee.The NI secretary was speaking at a meeting of the Preparation for Government Committee.
The Police Ombudsman is due to publish a report on the handling by police of the murder of Raymond McCord Junior.The Police Ombudsman is due to publish a report on the handling by police of the murder of Raymond McCord Junior.
Raymond McCord Junior, 22, a former RAF man, was beaten to death and his body dumped in a quarry in 1997.Raymond McCord Junior, 22, a former RAF man, was beaten to death and his body dumped in a quarry in 1997.
Mr Hain also paid tribute to the work of Nuala O'Loan as Ombudsman.Mr Hain also paid tribute to the work of Nuala O'Loan as Ombudsman.
He told the committee when her successor is appointed the decision should not be subject to an assembly vote because it was important the Ombudsman was seen to be independent of political manipulation.He told the committee when her successor is appointed the decision should not be subject to an assembly vote because it was important the Ombudsman was seen to be independent of political manipulation.
Setting communities free from criminality and the influence of paramilitaries will not just happen of its own accord or overnight Peter HainSecretary of StateSetting communities free from criminality and the influence of paramilitaries will not just happen of its own accord or overnight Peter HainSecretary of State
Mr Hain told assembly members that 24 November was an "absolute deadline" for progress.Mr Hain told assembly members that 24 November was an "absolute deadline" for progress.
He said, based on past experience, failure could mean no assembly for about ten years.He said, based on past experience, failure could mean no assembly for about ten years.
The committee is intended to prepare for a return to devolved government.The committee is intended to prepare for a return to devolved government.
Meanwhile, the government has said Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern will chair talks between the parties in St Andrew's, Scotland, from 11-13 October.Meanwhile, the government has said Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern will chair talks between the parties in St Andrew's, Scotland, from 11-13 October.
Last month, Mr Hain told the Preparation for Government Committee he did not see their role as scrutinising government policy or quizzing ministers on expressed views.Last month, Mr Hain told the Preparation for Government Committee he did not see their role as scrutinising government policy or quizzing ministers on expressed views.
However, he later agreed to discuss law and order matters with committee members.However, he later agreed to discuss law and order matters with committee members.
Devolution was suspended in October 2002 over allegations of a republican spy ring.Devolution was suspended in October 2002 over allegations of a republican spy ring.
The court case that followed collapsed and one of those charged, Denis Donaldson later admitted working as a British agent.The court case that followed collapsed and one of those charged, Denis Donaldson later admitted working as a British agent.
'Free from criminality''Free from criminality'
Meanwhile, Mr Hain has announced that the government will fund the development stage of a conflict transformation initiative in loyalist areas.Meanwhile, Mr Hain has announced that the government will fund the development stage of a conflict transformation initiative in loyalist areas.
The project was proposed by the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG), which advises the illegal paramilitary Ulster Defence Association.The project was proposed by the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG), which advises the illegal paramilitary Ulster Defence Association.
The announcement recognises the need for a process involving loyalism and will assist them in working with other agencies, community groups and public bodies UPRG
The initial stage of the project will last up to six months and the £135,000 fund will employ project workers.The initial stage of the project will last up to six months and the £135,000 fund will employ project workers.
Mr Hain said: "Setting communities free from criminality and the influence of paramilitaries will not just happen of its own accord or overnight.Mr Hain said: "Setting communities free from criminality and the influence of paramilitaries will not just happen of its own accord or overnight.
"It needs to be worked for and those who have shown that they are committed to doing that, and have ideas about how it can be done, deserve support."It needs to be worked for and those who have shown that they are committed to doing that, and have ideas about how it can be done, deserve support.
"That is why I have authorised this funding.""That is why I have authorised this funding."
The secretary of state said he understood victims of loyalist violence may feel angry and bitter about his decision, but said it was his responsibility to encourage those who wanted "to turn their back on loyalism's murderous past".
The UPRG said it welcomed the announcement, which it said "recognises the need for a process involving loyalism and will assist them in working with other agencies, community groups and public bodies".
The project would help loyalism "define the need for all to continue to examine ways of assisting Loyalist paramilitaries to move beyond conflict and assist them in their search for an inclusive peace, which is sustainable and enduring", said the group.