Methodist President Welcomes UDA Decommissioning

The Rev. Donald P.Ker, President of the Methodist Church in Ireland has issued the following statement subsequent to the announcement of the UDA's decommissioning of its weapons.

"With many others I warmly welcome the announcement and independent confirmation of the decommissioning of arms by the U.D.A.

I sincerely hope that this move will open the way for the pressing needs of loyalist communities to be more fully addressed. Such needs are best met when all those involved in local community life are able to come together in partnership with the welfare of all in their locality as their chief motivation.

While the removal of weapons reduces the threat of armed violence we must recognise that the ongoing divisions in our society damage us all. Northern Ireland needs more people, at every level, who are prepared to build bridges of understanding and trust."

Contact: Rev. Donald P. Ker (028) 90324554

Issued by: Rev. Roy Cooper (07710945104)