London  - Two Northern Irish paramilitary groups have announced that they have destroyed their weapons, bringing them into line with a variety of peace agreements.

The Ulster Volunteer Force and the Red Hand Commando additionally said they would respect local laws. Another group, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) said it has started destroying its weapons.

The groups are responsible for almost 1,000 murders during the region's bloody conflict between Catholics and Protestants.

The UDA said: "The dark days are now behind us and it is time to move on. There is no place for guns and violence in the new society we are building. It is time to work for a better future." (dpa)