The Provisional IRA's decision to begin decommissioning its weapons is a major step forward, a step which gives new life to the cause of a just peace in Northern Ireland.

I pray that the IRA will be joined by other paramilitaries in proceeding with full decommissioning, and that all parties will fulfill their obligations under the Good Friday Agreement. I join Archbishop Sean Brady, President of the Irish Episcopal Conference, in the hope that, "in light of this development, all the parties involved will renew their commitment to work for a consolidation of the peace process and a better future for all the people of Northern Ireland."

I commend those whose patient, persistent pursuit of peace, sometimes at great risk to themselves, have brought us to this point.

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