WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today was joined by Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) in welcoming the Committee’s approval of their resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement—the historic compromise that laid the foundation for an era of sustainable peace on the island of Ireland.
The bipartisan resolution, which also affirms support for the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements and arrangements—including the Windsor Framework—moves next to the Floor for consideration by the full Senate.
“Over the last 25 years, we have made great strides in fulfilling the historic promises of the Good Friday Agreement, including paving the way for a new chapter of peace, justice, and accountability on the island of Ireland. Yet, despite our efforts, it is clear that the work of the Agreement remains unfinished,” Chairman Menendez said. “With today’s Committee passage, we demonstrate our steadfast support for the full implementation of the Agreement and subsequent agreements—including the Windsor Framework and Stormont House Agreement—and issue a call for renewed attention and action to secure accountability for past injustices. As our resolution moves to the Floor for consideration by the full Senate, I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues to advance stability, prosperity, and reconciliation for all who live in Northern Ireland.”
“The inclusive power sharing system established by the Good Friday Agreement was a landmark achievement that established a framework for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland. Former Maine Senator George Mitchell was instrumental in the successful negotiation of this historic agreement that brought stability to the British Isles,” said Senator Collins. “Over the past twenty-five years, political leaders in Northern Ireland, along with the British and Irish governments, have made enormous progress, though important issues remain unresolved. Our resolution encourages all parties to continue to work toward the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement as well as subsequent agreements that promote peace and stability on the island of Ireland.”
The bipartisan resolution also urges continued attention and action to resolve injustices of past violence, reaffirms support for the right of all people on the island to self-determination, and encourages renewed efforts to preserve the rich language, literature, and arts of Northern Ireland. The resolution additionally underscores the great value the United States places on its relationship with both the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the United States’ steadfast support for the peaceful resolution of any and all political challenges in Northern Ireland.
Joining Chairman Menendez and Senator Collins in introducing the resolution were Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Angus King (I-Maine), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Find a copy of the resolution HERE.
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