UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak affirmed Tuesday that the Good Friday peace agreement with the Irish government continues to enjoy huge international support.
In a speech marking the 25th anniversary of signing the accord, Sunak said that what is most important is that this agreement was based on a compromise in Northern Ireland itself.
“As we look forward, we will celebrate those who took difficult decisions, accepted compromise, and showed leadership – showing bravery, perseverance, and political imagination,” he said.
“We commemorate those who are no longer with us and the many who lost their lives by trying to prevent violence and protect the innocent. And we give thanks to them as we reflect on the new generations that have grown up and continue to grow in a world in which peace and prosperity has prevailed.” He stressed that it is time to reflect on the solid progress that has been since then.
“We must also recommit to redoubling our efforts on the promise made in 1998 and the agreements that followed. One of economic opportunity, prosperity, and stability – it is a promise we must continue to fulfil. So must get on with the business of governance,” he said.
The UK premier expressed readiness to work with partners in the Irish Government and the local parties to ensure that the institutions are up and running again as soon as possible.
Northern Ireland on Monday marks the 25th anniversary of its landmark 1998 peace accords, with the UK province mired in political dysfunction and security concerns which threaten to overshadow the historic milestone.
The territory has been significantly reshaped since pro-UK unionist and pro-Irish nationalist leaders struck an unlikely peace deal on April 10, 1998 — Easter Good Friday — following marathon negotiations.
Brokered by Washington and ratified by governments in London and Dublin, the Good Friday Agreement largely ended three decades of devastating sectarian conflict in Northern Ireland and intermittent terrorist attacks on mainland Britain.
The so-called “Troubles” killed more than 3,500 people. They pitted the province’s majority Protestant unionists, wanting continued British rule, against Catholic republicans demanding equal rights and reunification with the Republic of Ireland.
Source: Kuwait News Agency