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Northern Ireland's largest loyalist paramilitary grouping, responsible for some of the bloodiest atrocities during the Troubles, put the remainder of its arsenal out of use in recent weeks.

In a statement the Independent International Commission on Decommissing confirmed the process was complete.

"The IICD confirms that, having started the decommissioning process with the Ulster Defence Association last June, we have now conducted a major act of decommissioning in which arms, ammunition, explosives and explosive devices belonging to the Ulster Defence Association have been destroyed within the terms of our mandate."

"The leadership of the Ulster Defence Association has informed us that these armaments constitute the totality of those under their control."

The IICD said that paramilitary organisations now have until the 9th February to complete their mandate.

Witnesses

The act was facilitated by the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning (IICD) under the leadership of General John De Chastelain.

The disarmament was verified by two independent witnesses - former Church of Ireland primate Lord (Robin) Eames and former top civil servant and chair of the Ulster Bank Sir George Quigley.

"We were very pleased to have the opportunity to be present at such a significant moment in the course of Northern Ireland's steady progress towards what can be a far better future for everyone than we have ever known before," they said.

"It is vital that what has happened should not only close an old chapter but should open a new and a very different one.

"Those within loyalism who have eschewed violence and criminality and who are genuinely committed to helping transform their communities need to be supported, and those communities fully integrated into the political process," they said.

The announcement was made at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast by the UDA's political representative, the Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG).

UPRG leader Frankie Gallagher said: "Today the leadership of the Ulster Defence Association can confirm that all weaponry under its control has been put verifiably beyond use.

"This historic decision has been taken as a result of unprecedented consultation of all Brigade areas throughout the British Isles."

Mr Gallagher said he wanted to pay tribute to former UDA members who had died or been imprisoned during the Troubles.

He added: "To all those in the community who have lost loved ones, we understand and we share in your sense of loss but we are determined and are willing to play our full part in ensuring that tragedy of the last 40 years will never happen again."

Mr Gallagher also categorically denied that the decommissioning was bought with the offer of Government investment in loyalist areas.

400 murders

The UDA formed in 1971 was the largest of the paramilitary organisations with thousands of members and was responsible for around 400 murders between 1971 and 2001 as part of its campaign to "protect" unionist communities from the IRA.

The Commission said it was given assurances from the mainstream UDA's five so-called "brigades" and the breakaway South East Antrim grouping that they would complete their decommissioning by the end of the IICD's mandate next month.

The IICD report said it had met all the mainstream UDA's "brigades" and was told there was no difference of opinion.

Last year Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward warned that a legislative amnesty from prosecution, which set a deadline of next month for the completion of decommissioning, would not be renewed.

Mr Woodward said the move by the UDA was a vindication of Government policy.

"This is a major act of leadership by the UDA and further comprehensive evidence of the success of politics over violence in Northern Ireland," he said.

DUP Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson said the party welcomed the news.

"People will now be looking for clear evidence of a complete and total commitment to the peaceful and democratic path by all those previously involved with paramilitary groups."

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly said it was a substantial move forward.

"There can be no place for guns as we move forward in advancing the political process, this process has been about taking the gun out of Irish politics."

Irish President Mary McAleese said it was a positive milestone on the journey to peace, while Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen also welcomed the news.

Rival loyalist grouping the Ulster Volunteer Force completed decommissioning last summer.

© Press Association