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08/04/2003
Bush urges NI to 'seize opportunity for peace'
American, British and Irish Governments have called for an end to all "paramilitary activity and capability" in Northern Ireland.
In a joint statement released from Hillsborough today, US President George Bush, British Prime Minister, Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern urged local politicians to "seize the opportunity for peace" and that the end to "paramilitarism in all its past forms must be complete and irrevocable".
The statement came on the second day of the President's stay in Northern Ireland in which he is understood to have discussed the ongoing war in Iraq with Mr Blair at the mini-summit.
Both leaders spent the best part of 24 hours in the province discussing matters relating to the war in Iraq, however they did set aside time to discuss the final obstacles facing the restoration of a power sharing government in Northern Ireland.
Whilst George Bush did not enter into serious discussions with local political parties when they met him this afternoon, the President did urge them to seize on the momentum gained since the Good Friday Agreement was agreed five years ago.
He said: "Later this week, Prime Minister Blair and the Taoiseach will release a plan setting out the remaining actions that must be taken to realise the promise of the Good Friday Agreement.
"I support, and my government strongly supports, their efforts.
"This is a historic moment and I ask all the communities of Northern Ireland to seize this opportunity for peace."
Mr Blair and Mr Ahern are expected return to Northern Ireland on Thursday - the fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement - to unveil their proposals with which they hope to move the process forward.
Many observers are anticipating a response from the IRA shortly afterwards. This response will in turn determine an Ulster Unionist reaction to the IRA's moves on decommissioning.
Depending on this response, Ulster Unionist's will then decide whether to return to a power-sharing executive with Sinn Fein.
(MB)
In a joint statement released from Hillsborough today, US President George Bush, British Prime Minister, Tony Blair and Irish Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern urged local politicians to "seize the opportunity for peace" and that the end to "paramilitarism in all its past forms must be complete and irrevocable".
The statement came on the second day of the President's stay in Northern Ireland in which he is understood to have discussed the ongoing war in Iraq with Mr Blair at the mini-summit.
Both leaders spent the best part of 24 hours in the province discussing matters relating to the war in Iraq, however they did set aside time to discuss the final obstacles facing the restoration of a power sharing government in Northern Ireland.
Whilst George Bush did not enter into serious discussions with local political parties when they met him this afternoon, the President did urge them to seize on the momentum gained since the Good Friday Agreement was agreed five years ago.
He said: "Later this week, Prime Minister Blair and the Taoiseach will release a plan setting out the remaining actions that must be taken to realise the promise of the Good Friday Agreement.
"I support, and my government strongly supports, their efforts.
"This is a historic moment and I ask all the communities of Northern Ireland to seize this opportunity for peace."
Mr Blair and Mr Ahern are expected return to Northern Ireland on Thursday - the fifth anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement - to unveil their proposals with which they hope to move the process forward.
Many observers are anticipating a response from the IRA shortly afterwards. This response will in turn determine an Ulster Unionist reaction to the IRA's moves on decommissioning.
Depending on this response, Ulster Unionist's will then decide whether to return to a power-sharing executive with Sinn Fein.
(MB)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
