IRA Says Weapons Decommissioned

The Irish Republican Army said Monday it had decommissioned a second batch of weapons as a unilateral gesture to stabilize the peace process in Northern Ireland.

The independent group that monitors the weapons decommissioning process said its representatives had confirmed the IRA statement. Gen. John de Chastelain, a retired Canadian officer who oversees the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, said a full report would be sent to the British and Irish governments.

``We wish to inform you that we have witnessed an event in which the IRA leadership has put a varied and substantial quantity of ammunition, arms and explosive material beyond use,'' the group said.

The IRA began scrapping some of its weapons in October, after years of heavy pressure.

The nationalist group acknowledged Monday that the move might not be popular with some of its followers and urged them to accept the decision.

``It could be argued that the IRA should not take such an initiative, but it is precisely because of this that an initiative has been undertaken so that the peace process can be stabilized, sustained and strengthened,'' the IRA statement said.

``This is a leadership initiative. We are relying on the discipline and commitment of our support base, and our volunteers. We remain committed to achieving our republican objectives,'' it said.

The IRA urged the British government and pro-British groups in Northern Ireland to help promote the drive to end years of conflict in the province.

``However, the securing of a democratic peace settlement is not solely a task for Irish republicans and we are mindful of the primary obligation of the British government, and of the unionist leadership,'' it said.