Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Ard Comhairle, Irish Republican Socialist Party to ask your group to consider proposals contained in our initiative "A Charter for Non-Aggression".
Though this suggested draft of the Non-Aggression Charter is our wording, we believe that ownership of this document does not belong solely with the IRSP but to working class communities in general.
Please feel free to add or subtract from the proposals and we would be keen to discuss any ideas your group may have.
In essence we believe that the charter is essentially a contract between working class communities not to attack each other and such a contract would lead to working class communities having control over their own peace.
Please feel free to contact us at the above number to discus any queries you may have.
Is Mise
Fra Halligan (Ard Runai)
Context for Charter of Non-Aggression
The working class has borne the brunt of the conflict. High percentages of both victims and combatants have come from working class communities.
The crisis politics of the peace process has consistently plunged working class communities into high expectation then depression and the worst despair at the possibility of a return to armed conflict.
In recognition of this, the Charter for Non-Aggression has the sole aim of minimising the chances of a return to conflict and empowering working class communities to have control over their own peace.
This Charter is not intended to prejudice any political dialogue, and should enhance the chances of dialogue being successful.
The conflict between Ireland and Britain has lasted longer than the past 30 years in essence this conflict is 800 years old. It is totally unrealistic to expect the necessary trust to be built up between the communities in five years.
For both communities the retention of arms by the formerly active combatants as a means of defence is a clear indication of the complete lack of trust that still exists.
Under the Charter it would not be necessary for either Republicans or Loyalists to decommission under a time scale.
This Charter has the potential to deliver peace in working class communities immediately.
Total disarmament is a desirable aim that can only fulfilled by the construction of the trust necessary by continued dialogue.
This Charter is NOT solely a charter for paramilitary groups, it actively encourages all working class representatives especially community groups/trade unionists to become signatories.
This would give all working class communities an opportunity to take control over their own peace. Peace growing from the grass roots is an essential precondition for a permanent peace
This Charter of non-Aggression is in essence a pledge between working class communities not to attack each other. But it is more, it is a rallying call for all that believe in the essential dignity of all our people and wish to see them live in a society free from fear.
The Charter of non-aggression aims to facilitate long term conflict resolution and is independent of any political initiative.
SUGGESTED NON-AGGRESSION CHARTER
6th DRAFT, 21/2/2000
We the undersigned;
Recognising the conflict of the past thirty years has almost exclusively been fought by the working class both Nationalist/Republican and Unionist/Loyalist, solemnly declare that by neither word nor deed, will we encourage, endorse or condone any action that will bring fear to working class communities.
We furthermore pledge that we recognise communities working together, free from fear, for a just and equal society, are the best guarantee of future peace and prosperity for the working class community.
Our commitment to non-aggression is born out of a desire to see real political progress, which furthers the empowerment of working class communities.
Signed on behalf of the
POLITICAL PARTY
ARMED GROUP
TRADE UNION
COMMUNITY GROUP
INDIVIDUALS