DUBLIN (Reuters) - Britain began demolishing one of its Northern Ireland army watchtowers -- symbols of its military presence -- on Friday after a pledge by the IRA to end its armed campaign revived peace efforts in the province.
The move came as part of commitments by Britain and Ireland to fulfil promises delayed by the Irish Republican Army's past failure to disarm and as work resumed on securing a political deal that would restore suspended regional government.
Pulling down the eight hill-top watchtowers along the Irish border is one of the actions long demanded by Irish nationalists to normalise life in a province slowly emerging from a 30-year conflict in which 3,600 people were killed.
"In light of yesterday's developments, the Chief Constable and I have decided that a further reduction in security profile is possible," General Commanding Officer Reddy Watt said
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