The Five Demands

No history re-writes, pledges Robinson (News Letter)
THE re-writing of history by terrorists to portray the security forces as villains will not be allowed, Peter Robinson has warned republicans.
In a speech at the weekend, the first minister outlined his opposition to the creation of a so-called Truth Commission or any amnesty for those involved in paramilitary crime.
The DUP leader insisted it was important “no one in Northern Ireland believes they can walk away from crimes they committed in the past”.
“The DUP will not allow any talks to become a re-writing of history,” the first minister said.
Mr Robinson was speaking ahead of leading a delegation of his party to meet with Secretary of State Owen Paterson later today to discuss how the government deals with the past.
Addressing party members at the Newry and Armagh DUP Association annual dinner on Saturday, Mr Robinson said: “We will not support any perversion of the definition of victim or dilute the hurt and suffering caused.”
And in a clear message to republicans, Mr Robinson added: “For any talks to succeed there must be an acceptance that part of the problem in dealing with the past in Northern Ireland is the refusal by some to accept the part they played in creating these problems.”
Stressing his party’s opposition to a Truth Commission, the DUP leader asked: “What would be the purpose of having a Truth Commission when we know without a doubt that the terrorists will not be coming forward to tell the truth?
“All you would get, once again, would be the police and army in the dock and history being distorted.”
He continued: “Any process dealing with the past must not include an amnesty or proposal which could allow some individuals to escape justice for their actions.” However, he added: “The unacceptable and unrealistic proposals of others should not hinder discussions about how the past can be dealt with.”
The bullish message from Mr Robinson comes only days after he denounced an application to publicly fund an IRA monument in Crossmaglen.
It emerged last week that Sinn Fein minister Michelle O’Neill had agreed that the memorial was eligible for Rural Development Funding under money set aside for the “conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage”.
The DUP leader described the development as “totally unacceptable”.
However, yesterday Sinn Fein MP Conor Murphy risked the further wrath of unionists by insisting the application should be afforded “the same consideration as any other”.
Describing the statue as “a symbol of Crossmaglen” and “a focal point for visitors and tourists”, the Newry and Armagh representative claimed the media were wrong to describe it as an “IRA monument”.
He said: “There is nothing on the monument which alludes to the IRA, rather the inscription focuses on all those who have suffered for the love of Irish Freedom.”
Meanwhile, Jim Allister — whose TUV will also be meeting Mr Paterson — said he had “little expectation” that the government would “ever permit justice for innocent victims”.
He said: “Whatever lip service is paid to justice for victims, there is no quest for such, no appetite to bring the perpetrators to justice, because there is too much vested interest in protecting the disreputable status quo.”
Mr Paterson is expected to hold face-to-face talks with all of the local parties on the subject of dealing with the legacy of the Troubles.