9th April 2003

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Gerry Kelly responds to Plastic Bullets Announcement

Sinn Fein Policing spokesperson, Gerry Kelly, has said that today's statement on plastic bullets from the British government represents forward movement but that Sinn Fein will continue to press for the immediate end of these lethal weapons.

Mr.  Kelly said:

``Sinn Fein has been pressing this British government relentlessly on the issue of plastic bullets, particularly at and since the recent Hillsborough discussions. We have made clear that the ending of the use of plastic bullets is a key issue for Sinn Fein and the nationalist community.

``Plastic bullets have maimed and killed and many of the victims have been young children. They have been employed by the British forces as a weapon of terror and the rules governing their use have been systematically and institutionally disregarded.

``The statement today from the British government represents forward movement. Sinn Fein welcomes this progress but we will continue to press for the total end of the use of these lethal weapons.''

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