British Prime Minister Tony Blair welcomed General de Chastelain's confirmation that IRA decommissioning is complete, describing it as an "important step in the transition from conflict to peace in Northern Ireland."
Tony Blair
Mr Blair said: "Successive British governments have sought final and complete decommissioning by the IRA for over 10 years. Failure to deliver it had become a major impediment to moving forward the peace process".
"Today it is finally accomplished. The peace process in Northern Ireland can now be fulfilled," he said.
The prime minister said: "This is an important development in the peace process and one we have all been waiting for, for a long time.
"I particularly welcome General de Chastelain's confirmation that IRA decommissioning is complete and that the amount of arms and material decommissioned by the IRA is consistent with the assessments provided by the security services of the two governments last year.
"The British government will continue to implement its obligations under the Belfast Agreement and the Joint Declaration.
In time, we believe this will lead to the restoration of devolved government and to a more peaceful future for Northern Ireland," Mr Blair concluded.
