The IRA has this evening apologised for the killing of "non-combatants" during its 30-year campaign of violence.
In an unprecendented statement, the IRA says while it was not its intention to injure or kill non-combatants, "the reality is that on this and on a number of other occasions, that was the consequence of our actions".
The statement was issued to An Phoblachtto mark the 30th anniversary of "Bloody Friday" which saw nine people die and over 130 people injured in a bomb attack on Belfast.
"It is... appropriate on the anniversary of this tragic event, that we address all of the deaths and injuries of non-combatants caused by us. We offer our sincere apologies and condolences to their families," it says.
At the same time it said it acknowledged the grief and pain of the families of the combatants - police, soldiers and loyalist paramilitaries - killed during the violence.
Labour Leader, Mr Ruairi Quinn, welcomed today's statement.
Mr Quinn said: "This statement and the recent actions by Sinn Fein Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alex Maskey, in laying a wreath in commemoration of those killed on the Somme are significant developments. They represent the clearest signs yet of a recognition by Republicans that a genuine peace process has to heal the hurt on both sides and accommodate diversity."
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin’s Alex Maskey described the statement as 'welcome and significant'.
Mr Maskey said: "I believe this apology and statement of condolence is a genuine effort by the IRA to address the grief and pain of the families of non-combatants who were killed as a result of IRA actions.
"This statement and the reiteration by the IRA of its total commitment to the peace process is a significant contribution to the process of conflict resolution."
Additional reporting PA