IRA Claims Responsibility for Bombing British Military Base

The Irish Republican Army on Tuesday claimed responsibility for bombing Britain’s army headquarters in Northern Ireland and demanded that London invite the IRA’s Sinn Fein political wing to peace talks.

“The resolution of the conflict demands an inclusive negotiated settlement. This is not possible unless and until the British government faces up to its responsibilities,” the IRA said in a statement to Irish state broadcaster RTE.

British Prime Minister John Major called the IRA’s admission that it carried out Monday’s bombing of Thiepval barracks in Lisburn a “sickening hypocrisy” but vowed from his Downing Street office that the search for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland will continue.

“I will not be deflected from the search for a political settlement to make possible a lasting peace. We will redouble our efforts at the multi-party talks. Sinn Fein have excluded themselves more clearly than ever.”

Thirty-one people, including 20 soldiers, were injured in the twin car bombs.