WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in observance of St. Patrick’s Day:
"This week, many across the United States and Ireland are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, during which we honor the rich Irish heritage that both sides of the Atlantic deeply cherish. As we acknowledge the important cultural contributions of those across the island of Ireland, we also reflect on how the Good Friday Agreement largely ended the violence of the Troubles. Ten months ago the Senate passed my bipartisan resolution with Senator Collins expressing support for the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements to support peace on the island of Ireland. On this St. Patrick’s Day, I urge all parties to recommit to full implementation of these agreements.
“Reports that the British government is considering introducing amnesty legislation for Troubles-era crimes are deeply concerning. There can be no peace in Northern Ireland without justice. The Stormont House Agreement provides an important road map to truth and reconciliation and must be fully implemented. I am similarly concerned by reports that the British government is considering invoking Article 16 of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the provision of the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement designed to prevent a hard border on the island of Ireland. Let us use this St. Patrick’s Day to not only celebrate the strength and depth of Irish values, but also to recognize this is the moment to take further steps to implement the Good Friday Agreement, not undermine it.”
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