MEDIA REACTION - END OF IRA'S ARMED STRUGGLE

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001607 SIPDIS STATE FOR R/MR, I/PP, WHA/BSC, WHA/PD, INR/IAA, PM, INL STATE FOR INR/R/MR, NEA/PDA AMEMBASSY FOR PAO, IO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMDR KPAO OPRC PTER CI UK SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - END OF IRA'S ARMED STRUGGLE On July 29, government-owned, editorially independent "La Nacion" (circ. 3,800) ran a column by defense journalist Raul Sohr entitled, "The Conclusion of a Phase." Quote: "The IRA ended more than 30 years of armed struggle.... In London there was enormous satisfaction over the IRA's announcement, as it reflects the success of a strategy that in recent years had emphasized political negotiations. Despite attacks, the British government never cut its ties with Sinn Fein.... They were well aware of the communications channels between the political arm of the IRA and those who carried arms. They knew Sinn Fein was not merely a conduit to reach those in the underground, but also a means to influence them. Many demanded that Sinn Fein be declared illegal, but vision triumphed over the pressure and the demands were resisted. Thus ends a process that now buries weapons to fully enter politics. The latest election shows the IRA, through Sinn Fein, will harvest more victories with votes than with bombs." KELLY