Collins, Menendez Introduce Resolution Reaffirming Senate Support for the Good Friday Agreement
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ) led 13 of their Senate colleagues in unveiling a resolution in support of the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, or the Belfast Agreement, and subsequent agreements and arrangements to support peace on the island of 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 two decades, political leaders in Northern Ireland, along with the Irish and British 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.”
Introduced yesterday in advance of Saint Patrick’s Day, the bipartisan resolution calls for the protection of the peace forged under the Good Friday Agreement, 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 also underscores the great value the United States places on its relationship with both the United Kingdom and Ireland in addition to the U.S.’ steadfast support for the peaceful resolution of any and all political challenges in Northern Ireland.
In addition to Senators Collins and Menendez, the bipartisan resolution was co-sponsored by Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ben Cardin (D-MD), and Jack Reed (D-RI).
Click HERE to read the full text of the resolution.
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