The Five Demands

La polizia ha dichiarato che le ricerche di un ordigno piazzato nell’area di Newtownbutler (contea di Fermanagh n.d.r.), hanno avuto esito negativo. La granta sarebbe stata piazzata dalla Real IRA, al passaggio di una macchina della p0lizia. E’ stato dichiarato che il dispositivo è rimasto inesploso.
Affermazione in netto contrasto con quanto è possibile leggere in alcuni forum, dove utenti della zona hanno dichiarato di aver udito un’esplosione nei pressi di Newtownbutler e la presenza di uomini armati. Ovviamente si tratta di affermazioni (da ambo i lati) non verificabili e quindi da prendere con le dovute cautele.
L’attentato, o il tentativo di attentato, sarebbe stato rivendicato dalla brigata Fermanagh della  Real IRA,  con una telefonata al ‘Fermanagh Herald‘. Il portavoce, oltre a rivendicare l’atto degli scorsi giorni, ha avvertito la popolazione a prendere le distanze dalle stazioni di polizia, perchè è previsto un’intensificazione delle loro azioni a partire dal nuovo anno.
Il portavoce dell’organizzazione paramilitare, si sarebbe identificato attraverso una parola in codice, che dovrebbe garantire la veridicità di quanto dichiarato.
Dichiarazione su cui sono stata avanzati dubbi  in alcuni forum, perchè sarebbe stata utilizzata una terminologia che non appartiene alla Real IRA.

Public in Newtownbutler warned of unexploded device
Police said yesterday that extensive searches in the Newtownbutler area of County Fermanagh on Monday for a rocket propelled grenade that was claimed to have been fired by a terrorist organisation, had proved negative.
A telephone call made to the ‘Fermanagh Herald’ office on Friday by a caller who said he was member of the Fermanagh Brigade of the Real IRA clamed that the group had carried out a rocket propelled grenade attack (RPG) at a passing police car in the Newtownbutler area.
The group also warned members of the public to stay away from police stations as they claim to be ‘stepping up’ their campaign in the New Year.
The caller explained that the device did not detonate and that it might be lying in waste ground on the outskirts of Newtownbutler. He urged the public to be wary of any suspicious devices.
A PSNI spokesman stated yesterday: “Extensive searches by police in the Newtownbutler area of County Fermanagh today (Monday 22nd) for a rocket propelled grenade claimed to have been fired by a terrorist organisation, have proved negative.”
Police described the information provided by the caller as imprecise, given the large area referred to.
However, while they have no information to substantiate the claim that an unexploded device might be in the area, they are urging local people to be cautious.
“Suspicious objects should not be touched, instead the location should be reported to police,” the spokesman added.
In their statement made to the ‘Herald’ last Friday, the Real IRA, who used a recognised code word, warned members of the public to stay away from police stations.
“We would also like to state for all members of the public to stay away from police stations not only in Fermanagh but in the six counties and in mainland Britain.”
“In the new year,” the statement continued, “we will be stepping up our campaign against the security forces.”
Chief Superintendent Michael Skuce, Police Commander for the area, responding to the IRE claim said those who fired the device in an attempt to murder police officers had no regard for their own community.
“Leaving such a potentially deadly device on open ground where anyone could come in contact with it is totally irresponsible, especially bearing in mind that the school Christmas holidays are starting today (Friday).
“Calling police two days later and failing to provide any useful details as to the location of the device demonstrates the indifference and disregard these people have for anyone but themselves and their own selfish motives.“Causing disruption and distress to ordinary decent people at this time of year when people are preparing and looking forward to Christmas is despicable. I would like to make a direct call to those involved to provide more specific information as to the location of this device. Let’s not bring misery and destruction to anyone’s door this Christmas. Let your conscience speak louder than your prejudices.”