IRA paramilitaries instructed to end hostilities

IRA Announces New Ceasefire

"All IRA units have been instructed accordingly," continued the statement. The IRA described it as a restoration of the August 1994 ceasefire.

"We want a permanent peace and therefore we are prepared to enhance the search for a democratic peace settlement through real and inclusive negotiations," added the IRA.

The governments in London and Dublin welcomed the IRA's announcement, while Unionist politicians remained sceptical.

Gerry Adams: The struggle "is only just beginning"

Sinn Fein Gets Ready to Join Talks

The truce opens the way for Sinn Fein, the political wing of the IRA, to take part in the multi-party peace talks on the future of Northern Ireland.

The President of Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams, described the ceasefire announcement as "momentous". He said he wanted to commend the IRA "leadership and volunteers" for their courage in taking the decision to restore the ceasefire.

Speaking at a rally near Sinn Fein's headquarters in West Belfast, Mr Adams said Sinn Fein would join the talks with the creation of a united Irish Republic as "our primary objective", and predicted the struggle was "only just beginning".

Between 300 to 400 people turned out to hear Mr Adams speak, a crowd hardly comparable to the thousands who took to the streets to greet the last IRA ceasefire in 1994.

Mitchel McLaughlin: Difficulties ahead

"Ceasefire is here to stay" Dur: 4'10"

Sinn Fein's chairman, Mitchel McLaughlin, acknowledged there were great problems ahead. "Sinn Fein has difficulties, the British and Irish governments have problems. Everyone will bring with them their doubts and mistrusts," Mr McLaughlin said.

"All of us have the responsibility nevertheless to get to know each other, to understand each other and to resolve this through a process of dialogue," he added.

The IRA statement was widely expected, after Mr Adams had announced on Friday that he had provided a detailed report and assessment to the IRA and urged its leadership to "restore its cessation of August 1994".

February 1996: huge Docklands bomb ends last IRA ceasefire

The two-page statement outlines the terms on which Sinn Fein, the political wing of the IRA, believes peace can be built. Mr Adams stressed the importance of a commitment by the British and Irish governments to inclusive talks without preconditions.

The last IRA ceasefire began in September 1994, but in February 1996 the IRA resumed armed hostilities, saying it was frustrated that Britain had refused it a political voice in talks.