In Northern Ireland, two Protestant paramilitary groups have laid down their weapons. The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and the Red Hand Commando say they have also completely dismantled their arsenals of weapons and explosives.

The other large paramilitary group in the province, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) says it has also begun the disarmament process. Since the 1960s, the UDA and the UVF have been responsible for the murders of almost 1000 people, many of them Catholics.

 
The disarmament process is taking place under the supervision of the retired Canadian general, John De Chastelain. General De Chastelain is the chairman of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning, a body set up to supervise the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons in Ireland.
 
General De Chastelain was present four years ago when the Irish Republic Army laid down their weapons.
 
 
Photo by seanfderry-studenna (flickr)