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UFF being stood down at midnight UFF being stood down at midnight
(40 minutes later)
The Ulster Defence Association is to stand down part of its organisation, the Ulster Freedom Fighters, from midnight.The Ulster Defence Association is to stand down part of its organisation, the Ulster Freedom Fighters, from midnight.
It also said UFF weapons were being put beyond use, but stressed that this does not mean they will be decommissioned.It also said UFF weapons were being put beyond use, but stressed that this does not mean they will be decommissioned.
In a statement on Remembrance Sunday, the UDA leadership issued a strongly-worded attack on criminals in loyalist areas.In a statement on Remembrance Sunday, the UDA leadership issued a strongly-worded attack on criminals in loyalist areas.
It said anyone with information about crime should pass it to the police.It said anyone with information about crime should pass it to the police.
The UDA murdered more than 400 people during the Troubles; the majority of the killings were claimed by the Ulster Freedom Fighters, widely regarded as a cover name for the UDA.The UDA murdered more than 400 people during the Troubles; the majority of the killings were claimed by the Ulster Freedom Fighters, widely regarded as a cover name for the UDA.
In its statement, the UDA said: "The Ulster Defence Association believes that the war isover, and we are now in a new democratic dispensation that will lead topermanent political stability. In its statement, the UDA said: "The Ulster Defence Association believes that the war is over, and we are now in a new democratic dispensation that will lead to permanent political stability.
"But we believe the political parties and thepolitical institutions are themselves still in a period of transition. "But we believe the political parties and the political institutions are themselves still in a period of transition."
'Actions' Shaun Woodward welcomed the statement
"In that context, the organisation intends to continue through a process oftransformation that will ultimately achieve a Northern Ireland based onequality, justice and inclusivity." One of the UDA's leaders, Jackie McDonald, added: "90% of people in the loyalist community don't want de-commissioning."
One of the UDA's leaders, Jackie McDonald, said: "We will work with the community to wake the sleeping giant, and work togetherto have our own voice." Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward welcomed the UDA statement, but said it needed to lead on to decommissioning of theparamilitary group's weapons.
Making clear its guns were not being handed over, he said: "90% of people inthe loyalist community don't want de-commissioning." "They will be judged by their actions, not their words," he said.
Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward welcomed the announcement. Arms move urged
On Saturday, the DUP's Ian Paisley junior said the UDA should be judged on its actions and not on its words. The UDA's move comes weeks after Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie, announced she was to cut off £1.2m in loyalist funding unless the UDA decommissioned its weapons in 60 days.
In a statement on Sunday, Ms Ritchie said: "I welcome the positive aspects of this statement, however, it is disappointing that there is still no intention on the part of the UDA to decommission its weapons."
Alliance leader David Ford also urged a move on arms.
"It is has to verifiably decommission weapons and not just state that they are beyond use," he said.