WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) and 12 of their Senate colleagues, today announced the introduction of a resolution commemorating the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement (April 10). In addition to celebrating the historic compromise that marked the beginning of a new era of peaceful political engagement in Northern Ireland, the bipartisan resolution also affirms support for the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements and arrangements—including the Windsor Framework—to advance peace on the island of Ireland.
“The historic Good Friday Agreement critically ushered in a new era of reflection and sustainable peace across the island of Ireland. Yet, even on this momentous anniversary, we must remain mindful that the work of the Agreement continues,” Chairman Menendez said. “I continue to support our partners’ efforts to advance stability and prosperity, including through the full implementation of the Windsor Framework and Stormont House Agreement, and look forward to working together to advance accountability 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, introduced in the Senate last week, 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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