British Army refurbish bases in South Armagh

There have been complaints from people living in south Armagh that
British Army bases are being refurbished despite the promise of a
rolling programme of demilitarisation in this area.

The British Army have almost completed the removal of two watch towers
from Cloughogue and Tievecrum in south Armagh. However, people are
angry that whilst this work was being carried out the British Army have
begun to strengthen and refurbish other bases in this area.

Newry/Armagh Sinn Fein Spokesperson, Conor Murphy said that during the
last week, local people had noticed that a fleet of lorries and
increased helicopter activity have been working at Forkhill Barracks.

"We are now lead to believe that two aerials have been removed but are
being replaced by one larger aerial with satellite dishes and
electronic equipment.

"The promise to implement a rolling programme of demilitarisation gave
people hope that the British Army presence in this area would be
removed in its entirety. However, our experience to date has been that
the watchtowers have now been replaced by frequent checkpoints on roads
in the area."