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08 December 2004

Northern Ireland Peace Proposal Balanced, Reasonable: U.S.

U.S. regrets inability of parties to reach agreement on settlement

The United States believes the settlement prepared by the United Kingdom and Irish governments and published December 8 "represents a balanced and reasonable solution" to revive a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

In a statement also issued December 8, State Department Deputy Spokesman Adam Ereli commended the efforts of British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern to negotiate a settlement. Ereli expressed regret that the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Fein were unable to reach agreement on the settlement.

Following is the text:

(begin text)

U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
December 8, 2004

Statement by Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman

NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE PROCESS

The United States commends the efforts of British Prime Minister Blair and the Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, to negotiate a settlement in Northern Ireland to end all paramilitary activities and restore devolved government. The settlement prepared by the governments and published today represents a balanced and reasonable solution to these issues. We applaud the hard work by the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Fein to achieve this progress. We regret they were unable to reach agreement on the settlement.

The people of Northern Ireland deserve to have political leadership and institutions that build an inclusive society respectful of human rights, free from sectarian hatred and fully committed to the rule of law. The United States has steadfastly supported Prime Minister Blair and Taoiseach Ahern in their efforts to bring peace to Northern Ireland. We will continue to assist the parties and governments in any way possible to achieve a resolution to the remaining problems.

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(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)