[Sinn Fein]

30 September 1997

Scrap Emergency Laws - Sinn Fein

Sinn Fein Ardchomhairle member Councillor Francie Molloy - who is currently in Brighton at the British Labour Party conference- -commenting on reports that Internment is to be removed from the emergency legislation described the move as ``of no great significance. ``

Mr Molloy said:

``The removal of a law which hasn't been used for over 20 years is of no great significance. If this Labour government wants to build real confidence it should scrap the current emergency legislation and refuse to put forward to the British Parliament its proposed Emergency Provisions Bill.''

Commenting on British Secretary of State Mo Mowlan's contribution to the conference this morning Councillor Molloy said:

``This British government must develop and promote a programmatic approach on confidence building and equality issues.

``This shouldn't be placed on the back burner or dealt with in a cosmetic fashion. It must be tackled as a matter of urgency. For example, detailed information on the extent of structured discrimination is already available. The British government should implement the 100 plus recommendations contained in the last Standing Advisory Commision on Human Rights Report as a first step towards equality. The need for demilitarisation, the release of prisoners and equality for the Irish language and Culture are all obvious priority measures which require progress.

``The Policing Bill which is to be put to the British Parliament should be withdrawn in order to allow for a proper process of consultation and negotiation.''

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