"In light of recent political developments and the direct threat posed against our membership and supporters, the leadership of the Irish National Liberation Army have reviewed our previous postion in regards to our cessation of military operations.

We cannot look on idly as the British cynically draw out and fudge attempts at a negotiated settlement -- while the full oppressive apparatus of the state is employed against the Nationalist working class. Neither can we allow our reluctance to be sucked into a cycle of violence to be misconstrued as a sign of weakness. We have the numerical and logistical strength to protect our membership and class. If and when necessary this will be clearly proven.

As and from mid-day today, Friday, March 22nd, our movement will operate from a position of 'defence and retaliation'. Accordingly, all units of the INLA have been placed on stand-by.

If this to some appears to be a retrogressive step then you should be asking what you did to prevent it. It has been the failure of the 'political process' to deliver -- not those of us who stood back, despite mounting provocation, and let things take a natural course.