For Immediate Release: April 6, 2006
Contacts: Kimberly Allen, (202) 226-8364; (571) 232-8037 [cell]
Rothman Affirms Support for the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, Police Reform Efforts in Northern Ireland
(Washington, DC)— On Tuesday night, Congress passed a resolution (H.Res.744) co-sponsored by Representative Steve Rothman (D-NJ) that reaffirms the House of Representatives' support for the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland. This symbolic bill expresses Congressional support for the Good Friday Agreement of 1998 and police reform efforts to promote genuine community policing in Northern Ireland.
"People of good faith from all sides of the conflict in Northern Ireland have worked long and hard to secure a peaceful society. It would be a tragedy to see their progress come to a halt. The Good Friday Agreement, which laid out a plan for an inclusive power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, should remain the guide political leaders follow toward peace," said Rothman.
The House resolution comes days after the murder of a former British spy led to international concerns that the ongoing peace process would be stalled. It commends British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and the Sinn Fein leadership for their continued efforts to achieve a lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
Last month, Rothman met with Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams. They discussed moving the peace process forward and Rothman applauded Adams on his work for peace and reconciliation.
A photo of Rothman and Adams is available online at: http://rothman.house.gov/news_releases/2006/mar17.htm .
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