The following statement was released anonymously to The Sovereign Nation.
Irish Republican Army
New Year Statement 2011.
The leadership of the Irish Republican Army extend new years greetings to our friends and supporters both nationally and internationally, we send fraternal greetings to revolutionaries around the world and pay special tribute to those imprisoned for their stand against colonialism, imperialism, capitalism and occupation. Likewise we send greetings and solidarity to our own volunteers in the field and those captured by the enemy.
In the past year there has been no mistaking the fact that a conflict exists in occupied Ireland, the British, Free State and Colonial parliament in the six counties have collectively been unable to conceal or deal with this fact.The enemy has resorted to doing what it has historically done in such a situation, it has resorted to mass harassment, house raids, intimidation and politically motivated arrests and convictions as well as the demonisation and criminalisation of our struggle through the mass media and other channels. None of the above measures have worked in the past nor will they work now.
In the year to come the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann, pledge to continue to resist occupation in all its forms in Ireland and continue to do so in a strategic and disciplined fashion, we will learn from past mistakes and will strive to expand the theatre of our operations in line with our strategy. We will continue to target institutions and personel in the military, political, policing, justice and commercial and economic fields. Those who actively engage in the occupation of Ireland and those who assist this occupation are the enemies of the Irish people. In the last year the lines of demarcation between those who continue to defend Irish sovereignty and those who wish to subvert it have become clearer, in the year to come these lines will become even more stark.
Victory to the IRA.
Monday, 24 January 2011
'Spooks' engineer arrest of 32 CSM member.
32 County Sovereignty Movement.
11/01/2011
'Spooks' engineer arrest of 32 CSM member.
The Ard Comhairle of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement have urged republicans to be vigilant following the arrest and subsequent approach by British security services to one of its members from South Armagh.
On the evening of Sunday 9th January, the Ard Comhairle member was driving in Forkhill when he was pursued, stopped and detained by an RUC/PSNI landrover and marked car. The RUC/PSNI members informed the republican that this was a routine stop and proceeded to check his car. He was informed that his headlight was 'dim' and that the wall of his tyre was unsuitable for the cold conditions. He was then asked for his address and when he gave it the RUC man told him he didn't believe that was his address and as he did not have indentity to prove it he was arrested and taken to Banbridge RUC station. An RUC/PSNI member drove the republicans car to Banbridge also.
The 32 CSM member who is originally from the 26 counties was asked on arrival at the reception area of the barracks if he wanted them to contact the Irish embassy in London to inform them he was in custody in the United Kingdom. The republican also noticed that a large welcome sign in the station was translated into 20 languages, needless to say Irish was not one. The man was held for 3 hours before being release on five hundred pounds bail.
When leaving the reception he was approached by two men who asked him to "go for a drink and have a chat with them". The republican recognised as the same two men who had made an earlier approach to him. On that occassion the 32 CSM member, who is an building contractor, was rang up concerning an extention and arranged to meet the caller at the B&Q car park in Newry. The person he meet asked him to follow him and took him to isolated and derelict farm buildings in the Mullaglass area of Newry. Here two other men stepped from out houses and the republican, sensing something was not right locked the doors and refused to get out of the car. One of the men came forward with a set of plans but immediately produced a large sum of money and stated that there was no job but that they wanted to talk about the 'political situation', they were told to 'go away' in less polite terms and the republican left and notified his solicitor and the 32 CSM.
Likewise on this occassion the spooks approach was again rebuffed. When the republican went to retrieve his car from outside the station it was torn apart and he was given a docket stating that the car was searched because he 'associated with suspected dissidents'.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement utterly condemn this arrest and state that it was clearly engineered at the behest of RUC special branch in order to facilitate an approach by them in conjunction with MI5. The movement urge anyone who is subjected to such an approach to make contact with their solicitor immediately and we again call on republicans to be vigilant and aware of the wide variety and methods used by the MI5 led British security apparatus currently operating in Ireland.
11/01/2011
'Spooks' engineer arrest of 32 CSM member.
The Ard Comhairle of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement have urged republicans to be vigilant following the arrest and subsequent approach by British security services to one of its members from South Armagh.
On the evening of Sunday 9th January, the Ard Comhairle member was driving in Forkhill when he was pursued, stopped and detained by an RUC/PSNI landrover and marked car. The RUC/PSNI members informed the republican that this was a routine stop and proceeded to check his car. He was informed that his headlight was 'dim' and that the wall of his tyre was unsuitable for the cold conditions. He was then asked for his address and when he gave it the RUC man told him he didn't believe that was his address and as he did not have indentity to prove it he was arrested and taken to Banbridge RUC station. An RUC/PSNI member drove the republicans car to Banbridge also.
The 32 CSM member who is originally from the 26 counties was asked on arrival at the reception area of the barracks if he wanted them to contact the Irish embassy in London to inform them he was in custody in the United Kingdom. The republican also noticed that a large welcome sign in the station was translated into 20 languages, needless to say Irish was not one. The man was held for 3 hours before being release on five hundred pounds bail.
When leaving the reception he was approached by two men who asked him to "go for a drink and have a chat with them". The republican recognised as the same two men who had made an earlier approach to him. On that occassion the 32 CSM member, who is an building contractor, was rang up concerning an extention and arranged to meet the caller at the B&Q car park in Newry. The person he meet asked him to follow him and took him to isolated and derelict farm buildings in the Mullaglass area of Newry. Here two other men stepped from out houses and the republican, sensing something was not right locked the doors and refused to get out of the car. One of the men came forward with a set of plans but immediately produced a large sum of money and stated that there was no job but that they wanted to talk about the 'political situation', they were told to 'go away' in less polite terms and the republican left and notified his solicitor and the 32 CSM.
Likewise on this occassion the spooks approach was again rebuffed. When the republican went to retrieve his car from outside the station it was torn apart and he was given a docket stating that the car was searched because he 'associated with suspected dissidents'.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement utterly condemn this arrest and state that it was clearly engineered at the behest of RUC special branch in order to facilitate an approach by them in conjunction with MI5. The movement urge anyone who is subjected to such an approach to make contact with their solicitor immediately and we again call on republicans to be vigilant and aware of the wide variety and methods used by the MI5 led British security apparatus currently operating in Ireland.
RUC/PSNI Intimidation will not deter republicans.
RUC/PSNI Intimidation will not deter republicans.
32 County Sovereignty Movement
14/01/2011
RUC/PSNI Intimidation will not deter republicans.
Andy Martin has responded on behalf of the Ard Comhairle of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement to the recent upsurge in RUC/PSNI activity against republicans and their families across the occupied area. Mr Martin stated " It is blatantly obvious that someone at the top of the British security establishment has passed down the diktat for the RUC/PSNI to take the gloves off and to intensify their vigorous campaign of intimidation and harassment against republicans and their families. Obviously through their shared anti republican position this diktat has also been delivered to the free state police, special branch, ERU and NSU. Raids and arrests are happening all over the 32 counties, homes are being wrecked, children traumatised. Republicans are being stopped and searched on sight by the RUC/PSNI in the north and in many cases being followed around towns and cities in a blatant fashion. It is quite normal for republicans to see heavily armed police in armoured cars cruising slowly past their homes numerous times per day or setting up checkpoints near the homes of republicans. Republicans must view this as a sign of a defeat in the ranks of the RUC/PSNI, the RUC was supposed to have disappeared and the PSNI was to be the new 'peacetime' police service but due to the growing support for the republican position in defence of Irish national sovereignty the PSNI have been forced to publicly admit that this transition cannot take place. The police service is exposed as a military police force and the the PSNI mask has slipped to very publicly reveal the RUC. These attempts at crushing the republican position through intimidation will not deter republicans, if anything they only serve to strengthen the resolve of the republican family"
32 County Sovereignty Movement
14/01/2011
RUC/PSNI Intimidation will not deter republicans.
Andy Martin has responded on behalf of the Ard Comhairle of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement to the recent upsurge in RUC/PSNI activity against republicans and their families across the occupied area. Mr Martin stated " It is blatantly obvious that someone at the top of the British security establishment has passed down the diktat for the RUC/PSNI to take the gloves off and to intensify their vigorous campaign of intimidation and harassment against republicans and their families. Obviously through their shared anti republican position this diktat has also been delivered to the free state police, special branch, ERU and NSU. Raids and arrests are happening all over the 32 counties, homes are being wrecked, children traumatised. Republicans are being stopped and searched on sight by the RUC/PSNI in the north and in many cases being followed around towns and cities in a blatant fashion. It is quite normal for republicans to see heavily armed police in armoured cars cruising slowly past their homes numerous times per day or setting up checkpoints near the homes of republicans. Republicans must view this as a sign of a defeat in the ranks of the RUC/PSNI, the RUC was supposed to have disappeared and the PSNI was to be the new 'peacetime' police service but due to the growing support for the republican position in defence of Irish national sovereignty the PSNI have been forced to publicly admit that this transition cannot take place. The police service is exposed as a military police force and the the PSNI mask has slipped to very publicly reveal the RUC. These attempts at crushing the republican position through intimidation will not deter republicans, if anything they only serve to strengthen the resolve of the republican family"
Nov-Dec Sovereign Nation
Sovereign Nation (Nov-Dec 2010)
Online Edition
http://www.32csm.info/novdec2010.pdf
Online Edition
http://www.32csm.info/novdec2010.pdf
32 CSM New Years Statement.
32 CSM New Years Statement.
32 County Sovereignty Movement
New Years Statement
2011
We commend our activists for their diligence and hard work in attempting to secure the integrity of our national sovereignty. We applaud the efforts of others who struggle likewise under their own chosen banner. We send New Year greetings to republican POW’s and their families and rededicate ourselves to their service.
2010 was a year which laid bare the harsh realities of our struggle. In protest against the degradation of strip searching and its vindictive use republican POW’s embarked on a series of actions in protest against the Stormont’s regime’s deliberate policy of attacking republican prisoners. Matched on the outside by regular vigils and marches the political opposition which was generated forced the authorities into negotiations.
With the use of agreed independent arbiters an agreement was reached to the satisfaction of all. However the authorities have resumed their original policy of using strip searching to degrade the prisoners. This was a political decision which has implications for all republicans. An attack on one prisoner is an attack on all prisoners and demands a unified response from all republican organisations. Our resolve must at least match that of the prisoners if we are to successfully confront Stormont’s prison policy.
The recent disclosure of State papers clearly shows that the issue of republican prisoners was a cornerstone in British strategy to undermine our struggle. They clearly show how Dublin also collaborated to achieve the same end. This collaboration now has an added dimension in that former comrades are now part of the British establishment in Ireland. That establishment takes it for granted that its members collaborate in the wider British interest. We openly call on the PSF leadership to come clean and to stop talking out of both sides of their mouths. It is your regime which is inflicting this degradation on republican prisoners. Is this your so called peaceful alternative to Irish unity? It is your actions that define you, not your words, overt or otherwise.
2010 also witnessed seismic events in economic terms. Fianna Fáil’s self serving economics led the State to bankruptcy. It bailed out bankers and developers and levied the bill on ordinary citizens. They privatised profits and socialised losses. They surrendered their so called sovereignty to the International Monetary Fund all the while denying it in drunken interviews to the people. But the real issue for republicans and socialists is that our protests failed to impact on events. The crisis in capitalism, which should have opened up so many opportunities for our cause, was duly addressed by capitalism itself. This is the reality we must face and we must face it pragmatically.
2011 must be a year of introspection and innovation. We must look at ourselves and address our failings. What went before has reached its zenith. We need to explore and devise new ways of getting our message across. We need to be more innovative in our protests. We can no longer be satisfied that our protests simply happen: they must also have meaningful effect.
We address young republicans everywhere; this is your time, it is your era, your society, your technological age, you need to lead the way on this front. Irish society has evolved a new language in which it communicates with itself and we need to learn it. Republicanism needs your ideas to advance. Our communities have the expectation of new initiatives to assist them. We need to demonstrate to our people that our aims are relevant to their everyday lives and represent an enrichment of society.
The continued violation of our national sovereignty has led to the inevitable consequence of armed struggle. Those who are engaging in military operations against British occupation have every right to do so, as they always had throughout our history. The function of the Sovereignty Movement is not to question this right nor question the merits of invoking it but to address the cause which makes it inevitable. This we will continue to do in whatever way we deem to be progressive. Treating the Irish Republican Army as a militia is a deeply flawed approach. Predicating a peace strategy on the exclusion of Irish national rights is doomed to failure.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement reaffirms our commitment to seeking an end to British Parliamentary activity in our country. The divisions amongst our people can only begin to be resolved when Westminster and its many agendas are finally removed.
32 County Sovereignty Movement
New Years Statement
2011
We commend our activists for their diligence and hard work in attempting to secure the integrity of our national sovereignty. We applaud the efforts of others who struggle likewise under their own chosen banner. We send New Year greetings to republican POW’s and their families and rededicate ourselves to their service.
2010 was a year which laid bare the harsh realities of our struggle. In protest against the degradation of strip searching and its vindictive use republican POW’s embarked on a series of actions in protest against the Stormont’s regime’s deliberate policy of attacking republican prisoners. Matched on the outside by regular vigils and marches the political opposition which was generated forced the authorities into negotiations.
With the use of agreed independent arbiters an agreement was reached to the satisfaction of all. However the authorities have resumed their original policy of using strip searching to degrade the prisoners. This was a political decision which has implications for all republicans. An attack on one prisoner is an attack on all prisoners and demands a unified response from all republican organisations. Our resolve must at least match that of the prisoners if we are to successfully confront Stormont’s prison policy.
The recent disclosure of State papers clearly shows that the issue of republican prisoners was a cornerstone in British strategy to undermine our struggle. They clearly show how Dublin also collaborated to achieve the same end. This collaboration now has an added dimension in that former comrades are now part of the British establishment in Ireland. That establishment takes it for granted that its members collaborate in the wider British interest. We openly call on the PSF leadership to come clean and to stop talking out of both sides of their mouths. It is your regime which is inflicting this degradation on republican prisoners. Is this your so called peaceful alternative to Irish unity? It is your actions that define you, not your words, overt or otherwise.
2010 also witnessed seismic events in economic terms. Fianna Fáil’s self serving economics led the State to bankruptcy. It bailed out bankers and developers and levied the bill on ordinary citizens. They privatised profits and socialised losses. They surrendered their so called sovereignty to the International Monetary Fund all the while denying it in drunken interviews to the people. But the real issue for republicans and socialists is that our protests failed to impact on events. The crisis in capitalism, which should have opened up so many opportunities for our cause, was duly addressed by capitalism itself. This is the reality we must face and we must face it pragmatically.
2011 must be a year of introspection and innovation. We must look at ourselves and address our failings. What went before has reached its zenith. We need to explore and devise new ways of getting our message across. We need to be more innovative in our protests. We can no longer be satisfied that our protests simply happen: they must also have meaningful effect.
We address young republicans everywhere; this is your time, it is your era, your society, your technological age, you need to lead the way on this front. Irish society has evolved a new language in which it communicates with itself and we need to learn it. Republicanism needs your ideas to advance. Our communities have the expectation of new initiatives to assist them. We need to demonstrate to our people that our aims are relevant to their everyday lives and represent an enrichment of society.
The continued violation of our national sovereignty has led to the inevitable consequence of armed struggle. Those who are engaging in military operations against British occupation have every right to do so, as they always had throughout our history. The function of the Sovereignty Movement is not to question this right nor question the merits of invoking it but to address the cause which makes it inevitable. This we will continue to do in whatever way we deem to be progressive. Treating the Irish Republican Army as a militia is a deeply flawed approach. Predicating a peace strategy on the exclusion of Irish national rights is doomed to failure.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement reaffirms our commitment to seeking an end to British Parliamentary activity in our country. The divisions amongst our people can only begin to be resolved when Westminster and its many agendas are finally removed.
Monday, 6 December 2010
RUC/PSNI Harassment in Newry Increasing.
South Down 32CSM: RUC/PSNI harassment in Newry increasing.
South Down 32 County Sovereignty Movement.
5/12/2010.
RUC/PSNI Harassment in Newry increasing.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement condemn the recent wave of harassment against republican activists in Newry by the RUC/PSNI.
In the latest in a series of incidents in the South Down/South Armagh area, 2 members of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement and two others were stopped and harassed in Newry on Friday 3rd December. The men were out socialising in Newry and noticed a police car tailing them for up to a half an hour before 2 other cars joined them and the men were stopped, interrogated and searched under the Justice and Security act. Despite the sub zero conditions the republican activists were made to stand with all their outer garments open for over a half an hour whilst the heavily protected RUC/PSNI members feigned searches. The republican activists and the two other men who have no political affiliations were then made to wait another half an hour for their details to be processed, all the while being asked personal questions outside those permitted under the act the men were detained under.One of the republican activists was isolated by the police and asked to tell the police who the drug dealers in Newry were stating that "Sure you boys are all for direct action, we are on the same side against the dealers".
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement in Newry and South Down urge all republican activists to know their rights under the various sections of law that the RUC/PSNI use to detain and harass and we say to the general public, police harassment hasn't ended in this area, political policing is alive and well and living in Ardmore.
South Down 32 County Sovereignty Movement.
5/12/2010.
RUC/PSNI Harassment in Newry increasing.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement condemn the recent wave of harassment against republican activists in Newry by the RUC/PSNI.
In the latest in a series of incidents in the South Down/South Armagh area, 2 members of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement and two others were stopped and harassed in Newry on Friday 3rd December. The men were out socialising in Newry and noticed a police car tailing them for up to a half an hour before 2 other cars joined them and the men were stopped, interrogated and searched under the Justice and Security act. Despite the sub zero conditions the republican activists were made to stand with all their outer garments open for over a half an hour whilst the heavily protected RUC/PSNI members feigned searches. The republican activists and the two other men who have no political affiliations were then made to wait another half an hour for their details to be processed, all the while being asked personal questions outside those permitted under the act the men were detained under.One of the republican activists was isolated by the police and asked to tell the police who the drug dealers in Newry were stating that "Sure you boys are all for direct action, we are on the same side against the dealers".
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement in Newry and South Down urge all republican activists to know their rights under the various sections of law that the RUC/PSNI use to detain and harass and we say to the general public, police harassment hasn't ended in this area, political policing is alive and well and living in Ardmore.
Thursday, 21 October 2010
RUC/PSNI Harassment continues unabated in Newry.
South Down 32 County Sovereignty Movement.
21/10/2010
RUC/PSNI Harassment continues unabated in Newry.
The RUC/PSNI campaign of harassment in Newry town and surrounding areas has continued unabated in recent days. This campaigned aimed at the nationalist community in general and the republican community in particular has began to take a bleakly familiar routine with activists tailed for miles until enough reinforcements are gathered to stop and search.
On the evening of Wednesday 20th October , 3 members of the 32 CSM in South Down were followed from the Mayobridge area, where a heavy police presence was stationed all day, to the outskirts of Newry where their path was blocked by 2 marked and 2 unmarked cars and an armoured land rover.
The 3 republicans were pulled from their van and repeatedly asked the same questions despite having given the requisite answers under the relevant section (Justice and Security section 24). The men’s outer garments and shoes were then removed, despite the freezing conditions, and they were searched on two different occasions by two different policemen. The men were then left to stand at the roadside from 19:10 to 20:20 while their van was ripped to pieces. All the way through this search the RUC/PSNI continued to ask the 3 men questions that they had already answered as well as questions that they did were not required to answer.
When the republicans were finally allowed to go on their way they travelled all of 5 yards before they were again stopped and issued a fixed penalty fine for a defective headlamp.
This petty harassment is on the increase in Newry as our comrades from other republican organisations can testify, however the 32 County Sovereignty Movement and our republican comrades in Newry and South Down take this as evidence of the growing effectiveness of our respective campaigns, we thank all those who beeped and waved at our activists during their detention and vow to continue to highlight the violation of our national sovereignty by a foreign occupier.
21/10/2010
RUC/PSNI Harassment continues unabated in Newry.
The RUC/PSNI campaign of harassment in Newry town and surrounding areas has continued unabated in recent days. This campaigned aimed at the nationalist community in general and the republican community in particular has began to take a bleakly familiar routine with activists tailed for miles until enough reinforcements are gathered to stop and search.
On the evening of Wednesday 20th October , 3 members of the 32 CSM in South Down were followed from the Mayobridge area, where a heavy police presence was stationed all day, to the outskirts of Newry where their path was blocked by 2 marked and 2 unmarked cars and an armoured land rover.
The 3 republicans were pulled from their van and repeatedly asked the same questions despite having given the requisite answers under the relevant section (Justice and Security section 24). The men’s outer garments and shoes were then removed, despite the freezing conditions, and they were searched on two different occasions by two different policemen. The men were then left to stand at the roadside from 19:10 to 20:20 while their van was ripped to pieces. All the way through this search the RUC/PSNI continued to ask the 3 men questions that they had already answered as well as questions that they did were not required to answer.
When the republicans were finally allowed to go on their way they travelled all of 5 yards before they were again stopped and issued a fixed penalty fine for a defective headlamp.
This petty harassment is on the increase in Newry as our comrades from other republican organisations can testify, however the 32 County Sovereignty Movement and our republican comrades in Newry and South Down take this as evidence of the growing effectiveness of our respective campaigns, we thank all those who beeped and waved at our activists during their detention and vow to continue to highlight the violation of our national sovereignty by a foreign occupier.
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Anti-social behaviour must end now.
South Down 32 County Sovereignty Movement
16/09/2010
Anti-social behaviour must end now.
The South Down 32 County Sovereignty Movement call for an immediate end to the growing tide of Anti-social behaviour and intimidation by a small group of youths in The Mayobridge area recently.
Several residents of the Craignamona, Lisbane park and St Annes Park estates have been in contact with the sovereignty movement with complaints ranging from persistent damage to property, intimidation and low level drug dealing. Others dealt with drinking, drug taking and indecency on a public pathway.
It is significant that the majority of complaints have been recorded following a meeting of the Newry and Mourne DPP in the Village last Monday (13th September). When asked why these residents had approached the republican movement many stated that they believed that at least two of those engaged in acts of intimidation and drug dealing were in fact passing information to the PSNI/RUC.
In calling for an end to this behaviour the 32 CSM appeal directly to these young men, youths and to their parents to ensure that such actions cease before someone is hurt or is forced to leave the area as a result of community action, it is our belief that dialogue is the most suitable way to resolve such issues and we pledge the support of the republican movement in facilitating dialogue if needed. We also pledge to stand with the community if the appeals of the community are ignored by a small number of young people within it. Anyone with concerns can contact the South Down 32 CSM.
16/09/2010
Anti-social behaviour must end now.
The South Down 32 County Sovereignty Movement call for an immediate end to the growing tide of Anti-social behaviour and intimidation by a small group of youths in The Mayobridge area recently.
Several residents of the Craignamona, Lisbane park and St Annes Park estates have been in contact with the sovereignty movement with complaints ranging from persistent damage to property, intimidation and low level drug dealing. Others dealt with drinking, drug taking and indecency on a public pathway.
It is significant that the majority of complaints have been recorded following a meeting of the Newry and Mourne DPP in the Village last Monday (13th September). When asked why these residents had approached the republican movement many stated that they believed that at least two of those engaged in acts of intimidation and drug dealing were in fact passing information to the PSNI/RUC.
In calling for an end to this behaviour the 32 CSM appeal directly to these young men, youths and to their parents to ensure that such actions cease before someone is hurt or is forced to leave the area as a result of community action, it is our belief that dialogue is the most suitable way to resolve such issues and we pledge the support of the republican movement in facilitating dialogue if needed. We also pledge to stand with the community if the appeals of the community are ignored by a small number of young people within it. Anyone with concerns can contact the South Down 32 CSM.
South Down 32 CSM condemn latest approach by Special Branch/MI5
32 County Sovereignty Movement (South Down)
14/09/2010
South Down 32CSM condemn approach by Special Branch/MI5.
The 32 CSM in South Down condemn an attempt to recruit one of its members by the British security services while he was going on a family holiday at the beginning of this month (September).
The member, a former Long Kesh POW, was in Belfast International Airport with his daughter and granddaughter waiting to board a flight to an Eastern European destination when he was approached by someone who identified himself as security. He was then taken to a room where two other men were present and told he had to fill out a form, he asked what it was all about and told he was being detained under section 7 of the terrorism act. At the same time his daughter and granddaughter were held in a separate room and quizzed about the man's movements and asked her would he be leaving her at any stage when on holidays to meet up with ‘friends’.
The British security agents stated that they wanted to have a word with the 32 CSM member about the ‘political situation’ and told him he was in a position to help them understand what it was republicans were about, they also told him they knew all about his friends and accomplices and what ‘organisation’ he belonged to, they then told him that they could set him up for life financially and could give him anything he wanted if he would talk to them, the man told them he had no intention of talking about the political situation to anyone least of all them and asked if he was under arrest, then he got up and left the room refusing a card they tried to offer them and went to find his daughter and granddaughter who were upset and shaken at being detained and interrogated.
The 32 CSM in South Down condemn this incident, the latest in a series of attempts by the British to entice or coerce republicans or their friends and families in the South Down area. We urge republicans and their families to remain vigilant and to report any approaches to another party as soon as possible.
14/09/2010
South Down 32CSM condemn approach by Special Branch/MI5.
The 32 CSM in South Down condemn an attempt to recruit one of its members by the British security services while he was going on a family holiday at the beginning of this month (September).
The member, a former Long Kesh POW, was in Belfast International Airport with his daughter and granddaughter waiting to board a flight to an Eastern European destination when he was approached by someone who identified himself as security. He was then taken to a room where two other men were present and told he had to fill out a form, he asked what it was all about and told he was being detained under section 7 of the terrorism act. At the same time his daughter and granddaughter were held in a separate room and quizzed about the man's movements and asked her would he be leaving her at any stage when on holidays to meet up with ‘friends’.
The British security agents stated that they wanted to have a word with the 32 CSM member about the ‘political situation’ and told him he was in a position to help them understand what it was republicans were about, they also told him they knew all about his friends and accomplices and what ‘organisation’ he belonged to, they then told him that they could set him up for life financially and could give him anything he wanted if he would talk to them, the man told them he had no intention of talking about the political situation to anyone least of all them and asked if he was under arrest, then he got up and left the room refusing a card they tried to offer them and went to find his daughter and granddaughter who were upset and shaken at being detained and interrogated.
The 32 CSM in South Down condemn this incident, the latest in a series of attempts by the British to entice or coerce republicans or their friends and families in the South Down area. We urge republicans and their families to remain vigilant and to report any approaches to another party as soon as possible.
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Cllr Ruane's comments on policing 'Revealing'.
32 County Sovereignty Movement
03/04/2010
Cllr Ruane’s comments on policing ‘revealing’.
Comments made on the transfer of policing and justice in a recent pre-election newspaper are both a revealing insight into the real nature of devolved policing and justice and the ideological summersault that has taken place within certain sections of constitutional nationalism on the issue of policing.
In a statement made in a free newssheet ‘NUACT an Dúin’ Cllr Mickey Ruane states that “Republicans on the Policing Board and the DPP’s… means there is now an unprecedented level of accountability and transparency on issues of policing” however contrary to Mr Ruane’s faithful repetition of the party line the truth is very different.
The devolution of policing and justice, far from giving locally elected representatives control over the totality of both merely gives limited power over aspects which the mandarins at Whitehall deem acceptable. Devolution will not affect MI5’s ability to operate at will anywhere in the 32 counties nor will it affect the colonial police chiefs ability to act unilaterally when he deems fit. Special units of the British Army and undercover police units are able to act with impunity outside the control of the PSNI/RUC never mind the toothless policing board or DPP’s. Any query or attempt to hold the police in the six counties to account can be stopped dead in its tracks by the words ‘National Security’ which of course is British national security.
Mr Ruane also goes on to state that “Devolution should ensure greater stability across the island thus undermining the actions of people who have no political mandate or strategy yet are determined to destabilise this society at every opportunity” This is a frank assessment of the real role of devolution in the six counties. The devolution of policing and justice is nothing more than a political confidence trick that aims to deflect the nationalist population away from the reality of British policing of its interests in Ireland by creating the illusion that policing is controlled by Irishmen and women, this is a classic tactic of colonialism. Ruane’s statement begs the question, given that his party publicly denounces British anti terror legislation how do they suggest that police deal with Irish insurgents?
The Republican community in South Down will not be taken in by the blatantly disingenuous portrayal of policing and justice in Ireland propagated by Provisional Sinn Fein nor will the 32 County Sovereignty Movement ever accept the lie that British policing has a stabilising effect on Irish society or indeed any role within it.
03/04/2010
Cllr Ruane’s comments on policing ‘revealing’.
Comments made on the transfer of policing and justice in a recent pre-election newspaper are both a revealing insight into the real nature of devolved policing and justice and the ideological summersault that has taken place within certain sections of constitutional nationalism on the issue of policing.
In a statement made in a free newssheet ‘NUACT an Dúin’ Cllr Mickey Ruane states that “Republicans on the Policing Board and the DPP’s… means there is now an unprecedented level of accountability and transparency on issues of policing” however contrary to Mr Ruane’s faithful repetition of the party line the truth is very different.
The devolution of policing and justice, far from giving locally elected representatives control over the totality of both merely gives limited power over aspects which the mandarins at Whitehall deem acceptable. Devolution will not affect MI5’s ability to operate at will anywhere in the 32 counties nor will it affect the colonial police chiefs ability to act unilaterally when he deems fit. Special units of the British Army and undercover police units are able to act with impunity outside the control of the PSNI/RUC never mind the toothless policing board or DPP’s. Any query or attempt to hold the police in the six counties to account can be stopped dead in its tracks by the words ‘National Security’ which of course is British national security.
Mr Ruane also goes on to state that “Devolution should ensure greater stability across the island thus undermining the actions of people who have no political mandate or strategy yet are determined to destabilise this society at every opportunity” This is a frank assessment of the real role of devolution in the six counties. The devolution of policing and justice is nothing more than a political confidence trick that aims to deflect the nationalist population away from the reality of British policing of its interests in Ireland by creating the illusion that policing is controlled by Irishmen and women, this is a classic tactic of colonialism. Ruane’s statement begs the question, given that his party publicly denounces British anti terror legislation how do they suggest that police deal with Irish insurgents?
The Republican community in South Down will not be taken in by the blatantly disingenuous portrayal of policing and justice in Ireland propagated by Provisional Sinn Fein nor will the 32 County Sovereignty Movement ever accept the lie that British policing has a stabilising effect on Irish society or indeed any role within it.
Friday, 2 April 2010
32 CSM condemn politically motivated arrests.
South Down 32 County Sovereignty Movement.
02/04/2010
32CSM condemn politically motivated arrests.
The South Down branch of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement condemn the politically motivated arrests of three of it’s members on Tuesday night.
At approximately 11.10 pm on Tuesday 31st March , three members of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement were travelling through Castlewellan having delivered Easter Lilly’s to various parts of the area. Several car loads of heavily armed DMSU personnel boxed the car in and came running to the vehicle with weapons drawn in a highly agitated and aggressive manner. This elite unit of the RUC/PSNI then proceeded to scream obscenities to the car’s occupants as well as barking a series of incomprehensible and conflicting orders.
The three members of the sovereignty movement were then handcuffed and made stand at the roadside under armed guard for up to 45 minutes in blizzard conditions before being arrested under section 41 of the terrorism act and taken to Antrim interrogation centre.
Our activists were then held incommunicado at Antrim for 12 hours before being given access to solicitors and then being interrogated. These interrogations lasted about 50 minutes and when it became clear that they were going nowhere the special branch detectives called a halt without producing one strand of evidence or even a reason as to why the men were arrested.
All three men were released without charge at 6.00pm on Thursday 1st April.
There is no doubt that these arrests and the accompanying house raids were politically motivated and designed to curtail legal politically activity in the run up to Easter however their efforts have proved counter productive in not alone strengthening our resolve but in illustrating to the residents of Castlewellan who witnessed the military wing of the RUC in action.
The South Down 32CSM take this opportunity to send Easter greeting’s to our friends, comrades and supporters.
02/04/2010
32CSM condemn politically motivated arrests.
The South Down branch of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement condemn the politically motivated arrests of three of it’s members on Tuesday night.
At approximately 11.10 pm on Tuesday 31st March , three members of the 32 County Sovereignty Movement were travelling through Castlewellan having delivered Easter Lilly’s to various parts of the area. Several car loads of heavily armed DMSU personnel boxed the car in and came running to the vehicle with weapons drawn in a highly agitated and aggressive manner. This elite unit of the RUC/PSNI then proceeded to scream obscenities to the car’s occupants as well as barking a series of incomprehensible and conflicting orders.
The three members of the sovereignty movement were then handcuffed and made stand at the roadside under armed guard for up to 45 minutes in blizzard conditions before being arrested under section 41 of the terrorism act and taken to Antrim interrogation centre.
Our activists were then held incommunicado at Antrim for 12 hours before being given access to solicitors and then being interrogated. These interrogations lasted about 50 minutes and when it became clear that they were going nowhere the special branch detectives called a halt without producing one strand of evidence or even a reason as to why the men were arrested.
All three men were released without charge at 6.00pm on Thursday 1st April.
There is no doubt that these arrests and the accompanying house raids were politically motivated and designed to curtail legal politically activity in the run up to Easter however their efforts have proved counter productive in not alone strengthening our resolve but in illustrating to the residents of Castlewellan who witnessed the military wing of the RUC in action.
The South Down 32CSM take this opportunity to send Easter greeting’s to our friends, comrades and supporters.
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
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Friday, 1 January 2010
32CSM New Year Statement 2010
32 County Sovereignty Movement
New Year Statement 2010
We commend our activists for their dedication and hard work in pursuit of the republican goal in 2009. We commend all other republican activists for being true to their beliefs and for being generous and inventive in listening to the beliefs of others. 2009 was a year which witnessed that inventiveness being translated into political action which was widely recognised throughout the republican base. It represented the most potent expression of solidarity with imprisoned comrades. It is solidarity in action with those who were bereaved in the struggle. It is also the way forward for Irish republicanism.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement has a clear vision for the year ahead. The reclamation of our sovereignty must take real form. We must give leadership to our communities to help them achieve this. Throughout Ireland communities have been betrayed by the institutions of faith, finance and state which have long purported to speak and act on their behalf. The abundance of trust placed in the integrity of individual leaders has proved misplaced. They have been left leaderless.
They have not, however, been left powerless. It is in recognition of this reality that the 32CSM will now engage with our communities. In a disciplined approach the 32CSM will liase directly with local communities to explore ways of reclaiming their sovereignty, and under these auspices, help them pursue their political and social objectives. We will focus our efforts in ensuring that all community activity will by default be a pursuit toward national sovereignty. Such a process will be a challenge to both states. It is a first step in filling the vacuum left by those who are now wholly subsumed into the apparatus of partition.
Communities so organised can become the template for national freedom. The republican objective is twofold; to secure our sovereign independence and to organise a just society within that independence. Like our republican forebears we can now enact our aspirations, we can involve our people with our beliefs in real and tangible terms. Republicanism cannot be detached from the people and the people cannot be detached from the strategies deployed to secure their freedom. We can only lead through democratic involvement with our communities.
Because it is a first step it must be taken with due diligence. We have prepared our arguments and are refining our position as mandated at our Ard Fheis. It will be democratic. It will be a learning process which will require discipline, patience and pragmatic political judgement. Republicans cannot interact at a distance. We need to create a new interface between ourselves and our people which will allow us to seek their mandate for our struggle. This mandate will not be measured by a gerrymandered vote. Its value will be in its democratic integrity and its sovereign credentials. For us the ballot box means more than just numbers. Democracy can only be returned to the Irish people when their national sovereignty is recognised.
Because it is a challenge to the state the state will obviously respond. Mistakes will be made, but also learned from, and it is this disciplined approach which will allow for this engagement to spread successfully to other areas. In part the success of this project may be gauged from the state’s reaction to it. They will not be alone. Establishment Nationalists will also have a vested interest in seeing this project fail. They will seek to divide and conquer. But a clear understanding as to the implications of its sovereign distinction and clear democratic practices will thwart them. After all it was disdain for democracy within their own organisations which led them into the cul de sac they now find themselves.
The 32CSM will be active on other fronts. Two major international initiatives will be launched in the coming year. We have observed how issues at play on the international stage are geared toward political events in the occupied six counties. We have made our intentions known to the relevant governments that we are determined to follow a particular path challenging any move that would seek to de-legitimise the republican struggle. These initiatives are for the benefit of Irish republicanism, we will not claim sole ownership of them. But we will provide the leadership that will open up counter arguments for all republicans to employ against these nefarious measures.
Republican unity in 2009 resulted in impressive demonstrations on a range of issues. The continuing media and political demonising of republicans is proof of their effect as is their grudging admission of our growth. The media and political establishment’s objective is to ignore us but through mutual cooperation we have made this impossible. In the coming year this cooperation can be galvanised within our communities as these issues now become their issues in pursuit of our national objectives.
The British Government’s strategy of finally destroying any vestige of republicanism within the provisional movement will not be allowed to undermine the separatist ideal. A resurgent republicanism will demonstrate to both governments and the international community that the destruction of the provisional movement was the liberation of Irish republicanism. It is up to all of us to ensure that 2010 clearly demonstrates this reality.
New Year Statement 2010
We commend our activists for their dedication and hard work in pursuit of the republican goal in 2009. We commend all other republican activists for being true to their beliefs and for being generous and inventive in listening to the beliefs of others. 2009 was a year which witnessed that inventiveness being translated into political action which was widely recognised throughout the republican base. It represented the most potent expression of solidarity with imprisoned comrades. It is solidarity in action with those who were bereaved in the struggle. It is also the way forward for Irish republicanism.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement has a clear vision for the year ahead. The reclamation of our sovereignty must take real form. We must give leadership to our communities to help them achieve this. Throughout Ireland communities have been betrayed by the institutions of faith, finance and state which have long purported to speak and act on their behalf. The abundance of trust placed in the integrity of individual leaders has proved misplaced. They have been left leaderless.
They have not, however, been left powerless. It is in recognition of this reality that the 32CSM will now engage with our communities. In a disciplined approach the 32CSM will liase directly with local communities to explore ways of reclaiming their sovereignty, and under these auspices, help them pursue their political and social objectives. We will focus our efforts in ensuring that all community activity will by default be a pursuit toward national sovereignty. Such a process will be a challenge to both states. It is a first step in filling the vacuum left by those who are now wholly subsumed into the apparatus of partition.
Communities so organised can become the template for national freedom. The republican objective is twofold; to secure our sovereign independence and to organise a just society within that independence. Like our republican forebears we can now enact our aspirations, we can involve our people with our beliefs in real and tangible terms. Republicanism cannot be detached from the people and the people cannot be detached from the strategies deployed to secure their freedom. We can only lead through democratic involvement with our communities.
Because it is a first step it must be taken with due diligence. We have prepared our arguments and are refining our position as mandated at our Ard Fheis. It will be democratic. It will be a learning process which will require discipline, patience and pragmatic political judgement. Republicans cannot interact at a distance. We need to create a new interface between ourselves and our people which will allow us to seek their mandate for our struggle. This mandate will not be measured by a gerrymandered vote. Its value will be in its democratic integrity and its sovereign credentials. For us the ballot box means more than just numbers. Democracy can only be returned to the Irish people when their national sovereignty is recognised.
Because it is a challenge to the state the state will obviously respond. Mistakes will be made, but also learned from, and it is this disciplined approach which will allow for this engagement to spread successfully to other areas. In part the success of this project may be gauged from the state’s reaction to it. They will not be alone. Establishment Nationalists will also have a vested interest in seeing this project fail. They will seek to divide and conquer. But a clear understanding as to the implications of its sovereign distinction and clear democratic practices will thwart them. After all it was disdain for democracy within their own organisations which led them into the cul de sac they now find themselves.
The 32CSM will be active on other fronts. Two major international initiatives will be launched in the coming year. We have observed how issues at play on the international stage are geared toward political events in the occupied six counties. We have made our intentions known to the relevant governments that we are determined to follow a particular path challenging any move that would seek to de-legitimise the republican struggle. These initiatives are for the benefit of Irish republicanism, we will not claim sole ownership of them. But we will provide the leadership that will open up counter arguments for all republicans to employ against these nefarious measures.
Republican unity in 2009 resulted in impressive demonstrations on a range of issues. The continuing media and political demonising of republicans is proof of their effect as is their grudging admission of our growth. The media and political establishment’s objective is to ignore us but through mutual cooperation we have made this impossible. In the coming year this cooperation can be galvanised within our communities as these issues now become their issues in pursuit of our national objectives.
The British Government’s strategy of finally destroying any vestige of republicanism within the provisional movement will not be allowed to undermine the separatist ideal. A resurgent republicanism will demonstrate to both governments and the international community that the destruction of the provisional movement was the liberation of Irish republicanism. It is up to all of us to ensure that 2010 clearly demonstrates this reality.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
South Down 32 CSM urge youths to be wary of 'legal' drugs.
South Down 32 County Sovereignty Movement.
4/11/2009
South Down 32CSM urge youths to be wary of ‘legal’ drugs.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement has recently been contacted by a number of concerned residents regarding the sale of so called ‘legal’ high drugs to youths in the Newry, Warrenpoint, Rostrevor, Hilltown and Mayobridge areas of South Down. It has come to our attention that individuals operating out of a ‘legal’ drug shop in Newry have been targeting youths with a delivery service at house parties and other functions across the region. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement is currently researching the range of drugs these individuals are peddling and are deeply concerned about the possible effects, both short and long term that these substances cause. There have been numerous accounts of the anti social and violent aftermath of youths taking these products and we are aware also of the concerns raised by the medical profession about their effects.
Republicans in South Down call on these unscrupulous individuals to cease selling these products to our children immediately as they not only have potential short and long terms effects on their health both physical and mental but also have the added consequence of both glamorising and normalising the taking of drugs in general.
The Republican Movement will be taking a greater interest in this issue in future and anyone with concerns should contact the 32 County Sovereignty Movement.
4/11/2009
South Down 32CSM urge youths to be wary of ‘legal’ drugs.
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement has recently been contacted by a number of concerned residents regarding the sale of so called ‘legal’ high drugs to youths in the Newry, Warrenpoint, Rostrevor, Hilltown and Mayobridge areas of South Down. It has come to our attention that individuals operating out of a ‘legal’ drug shop in Newry have been targeting youths with a delivery service at house parties and other functions across the region. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement is currently researching the range of drugs these individuals are peddling and are deeply concerned about the possible effects, both short and long term that these substances cause. There have been numerous accounts of the anti social and violent aftermath of youths taking these products and we are aware also of the concerns raised by the medical profession about their effects.
Republicans in South Down call on these unscrupulous individuals to cease selling these products to our children immediately as they not only have potential short and long terms effects on their health both physical and mental but also have the added consequence of both glamorising and normalising the taking of drugs in general.
The Republican Movement will be taking a greater interest in this issue in future and anyone with concerns should contact the 32 County Sovereignty Movement.
Friday, 8 May 2009
Friday, 24 April 2009
Prison Protest Set To Escalate
Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association
24/04/2009
E3 Prison Protest to escalate.
The current protest by republican POW’s on E3 landing in Portlaoise gaol is set to escalate following a ruling that yet another prisoner has been denied temporary release by the Free State department of justice. Last week two republicans prisoners went on a no wash/dirty protest over the politically motivated denial of temporary release, more prisoners were set to follow but an agreement was made between the Irish Prison Service and the Officer Commanding republican POW’s to call a temporary halt to the escalation of the protest in order to see what moves could be undertaken to end the action by the prisoners.
Earlier today the OC of the prisoners informed the IRPWA that the Irish Prison Service had come back empty handed and another prisoner was denied temporary release. It seems that the Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service are committed to the policy of confronting republican prisoners.
We have been informed that all republican prisoners on E3 will join the protest on Monday. The POW’s had earlier stated that they would stagger men in pairs until the whole landing was on protest, the OC has informed the IRPWA that this is no longer the case as the prisoners now see no merit in this course of action.
The IRPWA call on the entire republican family to support the men in their protest and to support the IRPWA in a series of protests they are now planning, we thank those republican comrades who have already come out in support of the POW’s.
The Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service are making a grave mistake if they think they can call these man’s bluff and they are guilty of a gross underestimation of the Óglaigh na hÉireann POW’s resolve.
24/04/2009
E3 Prison Protest to escalate.
The current protest by republican POW’s on E3 landing in Portlaoise gaol is set to escalate following a ruling that yet another prisoner has been denied temporary release by the Free State department of justice. Last week two republicans prisoners went on a no wash/dirty protest over the politically motivated denial of temporary release, more prisoners were set to follow but an agreement was made between the Irish Prison Service and the Officer Commanding republican POW’s to call a temporary halt to the escalation of the protest in order to see what moves could be undertaken to end the action by the prisoners.
Earlier today the OC of the prisoners informed the IRPWA that the Irish Prison Service had come back empty handed and another prisoner was denied temporary release. It seems that the Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service are committed to the policy of confronting republican prisoners.
We have been informed that all republican prisoners on E3 will join the protest on Monday. The POW’s had earlier stated that they would stagger men in pairs until the whole landing was on protest, the OC has informed the IRPWA that this is no longer the case as the prisoners now see no merit in this course of action.
The IRPWA call on the entire republican family to support the men in their protest and to support the IRPWA in a series of protests they are now planning, we thank those republican comrades who have already come out in support of the POW’s.
The Department of Justice and the Irish Prison Service are making a grave mistake if they think they can call these man’s bluff and they are guilty of a gross underestimation of the Óglaigh na hÉireann POW’s resolve.
Saturday, 18 April 2009
POW Protest Portlaoise Prison
IRISH REPUBLICAN PRISONERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION
18/04/2009
Protest on E3 Portlaoise Gaol.
It is with great regret that the IRPWA call upon the republican family to once again support POW’s in their protest against the blatant injustice of the Prison system in Ireland.
The IRPWA have been tasked by the republican POW’s to state how and why this protest has occurred and to clarify the facts of this protest.
A protest is currently underway on E3 Portlaoise due to the suspension of the temporary release (TR) and compassionate release (CR) programmes. It is the belief of the POW’s that this has happened due to IRA actions in the occupied six counties, indeed the Irish Prison Service have indicated this much and one of their spokespersons has even asked the OC of E3 if he ‘Believed in the border’!
The situation at present is as follows: Two republicans prisoners (Vinny Kelly and Justin McCarthy) are currently involved in a no wash/dirty protest, NOT on the blanket as some have suggested. At intervals republican POW’s will join this protest until the whole landing is on protest , at this stage the protest will escalate.
The Irish Prison Service representative and the Governor have asked the Officer Commanding to reconsider the POW’s stance pending talks with the Free State government, the only concession the POW’s have been willing to make at this stage is to delay further men joining the protest for a short period to give them a chance to resolve the issue. It is the understanding of the IRPWA that this window of opportunity is fast closing and we would urge all those involved in the Free State government and the Irish Prison Service to make strenuous efforts to resolve this intolerable situation as soon as possible.
Monday, 13 April 2009
32CSM Easter Oration
32CSM Easter Oration
2009
A chairde, there are those who would say we are traitors gathered here to commemorate the actions of traitors. Pearse and Connolly were deemed to be traitors because the British trenches in the Somme were filled with Irishmen deceived into thinking that fighting in the imperial slaughter of the First World War would lead to Home Rule. Pearse and Connolly said it wouldn’t, and they were right, but still they were vilified and executed. Ninety three years later republicans once again state that the Home Rule strategy will not deliver Irish freedom. Calling us traitors for saying so from the steps of Stormont, flanked by Britain’s head policeman in Ireland, proves we are also right. We are immensely proud to share the views of Pearse and Connolly.
Once again British soldiers are being killed on Irish soil. Once again British soldiers are using Irish soil to train to kill in foreign wars. Once again establishment nationalists have moved to support the British regime in Ireland. Nothing has changed. Claiming that unity will be achieved by 2016 is similar to the deception employed to lure men to their deaths in the fields of Flanders in the lost hope of securing Home Rule. Nothing has changed here either. The men and women of 1916 fought for fundamental change. They were not reformists, but Irish separatists who articulated the basic republican message that our sovereignty is inalienable and indefeasable.
This year also marks the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the First Dail Eireann. The First Dail was the Proclamation in action. It was an Irish parliament of, by and for the Irish people. It declared our independence to the world and set about a radical social programme to cherish all of the children equally. It remains our blueprint for the future of our country and our people.
Our history is one of conflict because too often our history has been repeated. Political arrangements which usurp Irish sovereignty cannot lead to peace or freedom. Inherent in these arrangements is the attempted suppression of those who seek to defend our sovereignty. They murder us. They hang us. They intern us. They intimidate us. They malign us. It represents that familiar colonial chorus, ever desperate to maintain itself. Trading civil rights in return for recognition of foreign rule condemns our children to fight for that most basic of rights, their own freedom. The men and women of 1916 were not fooled or bought by the trappings of Home Rule nor intimidated by the forces of Westminster and her Irish lackeys. For them democracy meant more than an opinion poll rating or a gerrymandered election. The voice of the people can only be heard if it is freely expressed.
And this is the message which republicans need to articulate today. As republicans we need to put before the people our framework from within which Irish democracy can function without external impediment. We need to set our case against British occupation in a way which is relevant to our people’s needs today. Our aims cannot be solely the product of the past nor can they be a slave to that past. British reasons for remaining in Ireland will change according to modern British interests and republican strategies opposing these interests must adapt accordingly. But in doing so we cannot repeat the failures of history by compromising the legitimacy of our position for the appearance of short term gain. The British have no right to be here and our right to resist them is a matter for us to determine and not them.
We are constantly asked; what is your alternative? The answer depends on who is asking the question. To those who call us traitors we say; any alternative but yours. To those who call us anti democratic we say; let us negotiate without pre conditions. To those republicans who genuinely seek an alternative we say; let us construct one together. We must be clear that the Good Friday Agreement represents a significant defeat for republicanism. And in the face of this we need to be pragmatic and not reactionary. Recrimination is not an alternative. Working constructively together is. Along with other republican comrades the 32 County Sovereignty Movement has engaged in an initiative to forge a way forward from a unified republican position. The ideology behind it is the ideology of necessity. All republican banners are welcome because all republican banners are needed.
How we engage with the Irish people is as important as what we engage them on. From the outset the truth of what we say will be judged by the strength by which we say it. Eloquence and emotion are no substitutes to a unified voice. The politics of conflict resolution requires clarity to ensure that any resolution is just and democratic. Armed conflict is in existence because such a resolution has not been entered into. Neither republicans nor the British government can invoke the existence of armed conflict as an excuse not to engage in a process to find a final democratic resolution to the Anglo Irish conflict. We have to deal with reality as it is and not how we wish it to be.
Standing here in commemoration of 1916 let us invoke the clarity of the Proclamation as we now address the British government today. You must leave Ireland. If, as you say, you have no selfish, strategic or economic reasons for remaining in Ireland then there is no excuse for you not to leave. There is no problem in Ireland which demands your presence that the Irish people themselves cannot resolve. If you require a framework to allow you to disengage from our country we will construct one for you. But for this to happen you must go before the international community and renounce your claim to sovereignty over the Six Counties. A claim of sovereignty represents the bedrock of any strategic interest so let this be the basic test of your intentions.
We call on all republicans to realign ourselves around the securing of achievable aims. We have set forth a programme to rebuild the republican movement through political advancement. We have proposed that commemorating 1916 should be the annual barometer by which we measure our success especially in the run up to its centenary in 2016. Irish republicanism must be in a position on the occasion of this centenary to tell the Irish people that concrete political gains have been made toward making national reunification an unstoppable reality. The Proclamation is too important a document to condemn it to perpetual aspiration.
The Unity Initiative is the only realistic way forward. Armed struggle is a reality in our midst. We must address it for what it is, a symptom of the unwillingness of the British government to engage on the core cause of conflict, namely, its illegal claim to sovereignty over part of our country. For those who want armed struggle to cease they must come forward with proposals to address its cause. The politics of condemnation is a failed irrelevancy just as British micro Ministers are sitting in Stormont. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement have endeavoured since its formation to put such proposals into the public domain.
We sought a peaceful alternative through the auspices of the United Nations only to have that route disbarred to us when the US authorities, acting on influence from London and Dublin, banned our organisation from travelling there. But we are not deterred by this and efforts are underway to petition the Obama administration to reverse this policy. Because contrary to previous declarations made there, Ireland is not at peace.
We have sought dialogue with both governments, unionist and nationalist parties in an attempt to seek a peaceful way forward but these offers have been largely ignored. We thank all those who worked toward achieving this. And we say it again now; if you truly believe our position is so flawed come and tell us how, rather than grandstanding on media soap boxes. Our door remains open and we will not stop knocking on yours.
Comrades, the template of 1916 remains supremely relevant for us today. It was republican unity which drafted the Proclamation and allowed for the accommodation of its diverse views so magnificently. It was republican disunity which led to that fateful confusion on that day. They have given us the benefit of their foresight and the lessons of their errors. Let us leave here today all the wiser for both.
Beir Bua.
Friday, 13 March 2009
End The Conflict. End The Occupation
32 County Sovereignty Movement
12/03/2009
End The Conflict, End British Rule In Ireland
If the conflict in Ireland is to end once and for all, so too must the illegal British claim to sovereignty over the Six Counties. That has been made clear in light of the violent events of recent days. That the so called peace process failed to openly address this central core issue of conflict is the reason for its failure now. Attempts to cocoon the problem in a puppet British Assembly arguing along sectarian lines are doomed to failure. From the outset of this process the British government have moved to defend their illegal sovereign claim to Irelands territory. This was evident when they made it an absolute pre-condition that the entry fee into negotiations was the acceptance of a partitionist outcome. Once republican leaders acquiesced to this British demand the republican project within that process was doomed. As it limped from crisis to crisis its British and unionist credentials began to assert themselves. What also emerged was the clear fact that rather than accept their abject defeat in negotiations with the British, republican leaders dug deeper into the morass whilst making outlandish and unsustainable claims about achieving Irish unity by certain dates to keep supporters on board. It was a classic British trap. This British strategy has now reached its pinnacle with a Provisional Sinn Fein leader standing at Stormont, under the British flag, as a minister of the British crown, calling IRA Volunteers ‘traitors’ for continuing to resist British occupation.
We note the ritual chorus of condemnation emanating from Leinster House. Far from reflecting a unity of purpose it represents a bankruptcy of will from that institution to pursue the objective of a Sovereign Irish Republic. From its inception Leinster House abandoned the Irish people in the Six Counties. It abandoned them further under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. It evolved a politics which made it a slave to vested interests. It is economically on its knees because of financial and political corruption at the highest level. It has selectively spurned its own referenda results because it lacked the courage to represent those results to the political elite in Europe. It is no position to lecture to anyone on any matter of substance.
From its inception the 32 County Sovereignty Movement has endeavored to place the issue of Irish National Sovereignty at the heart of the political process via peaceful methods. We sought to raise our concerns by pursuing our case at the United Nations only to have that peaceful route disbarred to us when London and Dublin petitioned Washington to have our organization declared illegal in the US. We petitioned all the main parties with detailed submissions but were met with silence. We sought peace. We seek peace, but we recognise clearly that this can only be achieved if true parity is brought to a negotiations process. Britain’s claim to have ‘no selfish, strategic or economic reasons’ to remain in Ireland is laid bare when one sees its use of Irish soil to train and dispatch British soldiers to kill in foreign wars. The British are not neutral in Ireland, no more than they are in Afghanistan or Iraq. To allow them to claim this, which the Good Friday Agreement does, represents a massive abdication of duty and responsibility by all those supposed nationalists who support it. The recent loss of life as a result of military action is yet another tragedy in the continuing conflict in Ireland. What is required to resolve it is an end to British Parliamentary activity in Ireland so that the people of the island can come to their own democratic arrangements as to how we govern ourselves.
12/03/2009
End The Conflict, End British Rule In Ireland
If the conflict in Ireland is to end once and for all, so too must the illegal British claim to sovereignty over the Six Counties. That has been made clear in light of the violent events of recent days. That the so called peace process failed to openly address this central core issue of conflict is the reason for its failure now. Attempts to cocoon the problem in a puppet British Assembly arguing along sectarian lines are doomed to failure. From the outset of this process the British government have moved to defend their illegal sovereign claim to Irelands territory. This was evident when they made it an absolute pre-condition that the entry fee into negotiations was the acceptance of a partitionist outcome. Once republican leaders acquiesced to this British demand the republican project within that process was doomed. As it limped from crisis to crisis its British and unionist credentials began to assert themselves. What also emerged was the clear fact that rather than accept their abject defeat in negotiations with the British, republican leaders dug deeper into the morass whilst making outlandish and unsustainable claims about achieving Irish unity by certain dates to keep supporters on board. It was a classic British trap. This British strategy has now reached its pinnacle with a Provisional Sinn Fein leader standing at Stormont, under the British flag, as a minister of the British crown, calling IRA Volunteers ‘traitors’ for continuing to resist British occupation.
We note the ritual chorus of condemnation emanating from Leinster House. Far from reflecting a unity of purpose it represents a bankruptcy of will from that institution to pursue the objective of a Sovereign Irish Republic. From its inception Leinster House abandoned the Irish people in the Six Counties. It abandoned them further under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement. It evolved a politics which made it a slave to vested interests. It is economically on its knees because of financial and political corruption at the highest level. It has selectively spurned its own referenda results because it lacked the courage to represent those results to the political elite in Europe. It is no position to lecture to anyone on any matter of substance.
From its inception the 32 County Sovereignty Movement has endeavored to place the issue of Irish National Sovereignty at the heart of the political process via peaceful methods. We sought to raise our concerns by pursuing our case at the United Nations only to have that peaceful route disbarred to us when London and Dublin petitioned Washington to have our organization declared illegal in the US. We petitioned all the main parties with detailed submissions but were met with silence. We sought peace. We seek peace, but we recognise clearly that this can only be achieved if true parity is brought to a negotiations process. Britain’s claim to have ‘no selfish, strategic or economic reasons’ to remain in Ireland is laid bare when one sees its use of Irish soil to train and dispatch British soldiers to kill in foreign wars. The British are not neutral in Ireland, no more than they are in Afghanistan or Iraq. To allow them to claim this, which the Good Friday Agreement does, represents a massive abdication of duty and responsibility by all those supposed nationalists who support it. The recent loss of life as a result of military action is yet another tragedy in the continuing conflict in Ireland. What is required to resolve it is an end to British Parliamentary activity in Ireland so that the people of the island can come to their own democratic arrangements as to how we govern ourselves.
Monday, 3 November 2008
RUC/PSNI Assault Nationalist Youths in Mayobridge
South Down 32 County Sovereignty Movement
3/11/2008
RUC/PSNI Assault Nationalist Youths in Mayobridge
A number of residents from the Mayobridge area of South Down have contacted the 32 County Sovereignty Movement in relation to a number of assaults that took place on Halloween night, Friday 31st October.
It appears that a number of members of the RUC/PSNI armed with batons arrived in the village and began to beat young members of the public when they refused to move on as instructed.
32 County Sovereignty Movement spokesperson Rory Moore stated:
“I began receiving phone calls on Friday evening from members of the Sovereignty Movement in the area who had been told that the RUC/PSNI had arrested and assaulted a number of young people in the area. The reason given was disorderly behaviour, it would appear that the ones who have acted in a disorderly manner were the British police. No doubt they will say they were in the area to deal with young people throwing fireworks etc however to say that the RUC/PSNI over reacted is an under statement. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement do not just oppose the manner in which the British police in Ireland conduct themselves, we oppose the fact that there is British policing in Ireland and we would urge Nationalist and Republican youth throughout South Down to continue to reject the RUC/PSNI as a legitimate police service. To those in the area who have genuine fears regarding Anti Social behaviour in the area we would ask that they engage with the youth instead of demonising them and we would ask that they come together to provide a community response to incidences of Anti Social activity rather than calling in a hostile police force who have obviously added nothing progressive or positive to the situation. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement will do all we can to assist the community in dealing with such problems.”
3/11/2008
RUC/PSNI Assault Nationalist Youths in Mayobridge
A number of residents from the Mayobridge area of South Down have contacted the 32 County Sovereignty Movement in relation to a number of assaults that took place on Halloween night, Friday 31st October.
It appears that a number of members of the RUC/PSNI armed with batons arrived in the village and began to beat young members of the public when they refused to move on as instructed.
32 County Sovereignty Movement spokesperson Rory Moore stated:
“I began receiving phone calls on Friday evening from members of the Sovereignty Movement in the area who had been told that the RUC/PSNI had arrested and assaulted a number of young people in the area. The reason given was disorderly behaviour, it would appear that the ones who have acted in a disorderly manner were the British police. No doubt they will say they were in the area to deal with young people throwing fireworks etc however to say that the RUC/PSNI over reacted is an under statement. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement do not just oppose the manner in which the British police in Ireland conduct themselves, we oppose the fact that there is British policing in Ireland and we would urge Nationalist and Republican youth throughout South Down to continue to reject the RUC/PSNI as a legitimate police service. To those in the area who have genuine fears regarding Anti Social behaviour in the area we would ask that they engage with the youth instead of demonising them and we would ask that they come together to provide a community response to incidences of Anti Social activity rather than calling in a hostile police force who have obviously added nothing progressive or positive to the situation. The 32 County Sovereignty Movement will do all we can to assist the community in dealing with such problems.”
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