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Postponement of Elections in Northern Ireland Called Disappointing

(Statement by Deputy State Department spokesman Philip Reeker) (320)
State Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker issued a statement May
1 on British Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to postpone the
scheduled May elections aimed at forming a new power-sharing
administration for Northern Ireland. Reeker also said the United
States welcomed the publication of the "Joint Declaration by the
British and Irish Governments" on Northern Ireland.
Following is Reeker's statement:
(begin text)
U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
May 1, 2003
Statement by Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman
NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE PROCESS
We understand the factors that led Prime Minister Blair to make the
difficult decision to postpone the scheduled May elections in Northern
Ireland. Like the Prime Minister, we, too, are disappointed that
elections will be delayed. Our goal remains that of seeing elections
being held as soon as possible. In the meantime, we welcome the
decisions of the British and Irish governments to publish the Joint
Declaration and to implement elements of that document.
We recognize the significance of recent public statements made by the
leadership of Sinn Fein; nevertheless, we believe Sinn Fein must
provide a clear and unequivocal commitment that all paramilitary
activities will be terminated as stipulated by the Joint Declaration.
We also call on the IRA to publish its statement and abide by its
commitments, as well as abide by the terms of the Good Friday
Agreement and the Joint Declaration, including the decommissioning of
all of its arms on terms that will enhance confidence. At the same
time, we call on unionists to commit themselves to the earliest
possible restoration of devolved political institutions in Northern
Ireland.
For its part, the United States pledges its continued support to
on-going diplomatic efforts of the British and Irish governments and
the local parties that aim to bring peace, stability and prosperity to
all of Northern Ireland.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)