Q&A: The IRA statement

BELFAST, Northern Ireland -- The Irish Republican Army (IRA) has issued an unprecedented statement apologising for the killing of all "non-combatants" who died during its 30-year campaign.

Peter Taggart, reporter for Downtown Radio station in Belfast, spoke to CNN.com about the statement, and its implications.

Q. Why is the IRA making this statement, and how significant is it?

A. It is a very significant announcement, and unprecidented. It comes on the 30th anniversary of Bloody Friday, which resulted in nine people being killed and 130 injured -- 20 bombs exploded in less than an hour in Belfast. Basically they are apologising for that, and also to the victims of all their violence. Unionists have asked for them to do this many times.

Q. What is the essence of the statement?

A. They are offering condolences and sympathy to what they describe as "non-combatants." They are also recognising the pain and suffering of military casualties. The IRA is accepting that there has been hurt on both sides, and for the first time, that they have caused hurt.

They are also saying that the other side must also accept their responsibility for their own wrongs if there is to be true peace and reconciliation in Ireland.

Q. Why is this happening now?

A. There is more to this than meets the eye. The IRA and Sin Fein have been under pressure over alleged Irish Republican Army links with Colombian rebels, and also recent activity in Northern Ireland. This could be an attempt to get some brownie points back.

There has been pressure growing before the British parliament is dissolved next week for some sort of sanction against Sinn Fein. This probably should ease the pressure from some of the unionists, and this should help the situation.

Q. Will the statement please everyone?

A. Well what Sinn Fein hasn't said, however, is that the war is over. Unionists have always wanted two things -- an apology, and a statement that the war is over.

Q. What happens next?

A. I think this will help generally the "feel-good factor." It will boost confidence.

Who knows what is coming up in the next few weeks -- perhaps we might see an amnesty for prisoners on the run? I have a feeling that this statement will probably be part of a chain of events.