While the recent withdrawal by the IRA representative from contact with the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning was disappointing, the process of arms decommissioning has been substantially advanced with two acts confirmed by the international commission. Unfortunately, the acts of decommissioning by the IRA were not matched by moves by loyalist paramilitary organisations. Moreover, the response of some Unionists at the time was less than generous and did not take full account of the significance of these historic developments. These events were significant and difficult, and credit must be given where it is due. To move on that issue and to achieve two rounds of decommissioning, described by General John de Chastelain as significant, was a major achievement which should be acknowledged as such.