New IRA Ceasefire

"On August 31, 1994 the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann (IRA) announced their complete cessation of military operations as our contribution to the search for lasting peace.

"After 17 months of cessation in which the British Government and the unionists blocked any possibility of real or inclusive negotiations, we reluctantly abandoned the cessation.

"The IRA is committed to ending British rule in Ireland. It is the root cause of divisions and conflict in our country. We want a permanent peace and therefore we are prepared to enhance the search for a democratic peace settlement through real and inclusive negotiations.

"So having assessed the current political situation, the leadership of Oglaigh na hEireann are announcing a complete cessation of military operations from 12 midday on Sunday 20 July, 1997.

"We have ordered the unequivocal restoration of the ceasefire of August 1994. All IRA units have been instructed accordingly."