April 10, 2008
No. 82
The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today marked the 10th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
"I congratulate the people of Northern Ireland on the 10th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement," said Minister Bernier. "This is an important milestone on the road to lasting peace."
The Agreement was signed by the British and Irish governments in Belfast on April 10, 1998, and provided the framework for forming an effective government in Northern Ireland. On March 7, 2007, Northern Ireland elections took place, leading to the current power-sharing agreement between the Democratic Unionist Party and Sinn Féin.
"Canada also commends the governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland for their persistence, leadership and spirit of compromise, which contributed to the Agreement's successful conclusion," the Minister added.
Canada has long been a strong supporter of the Northern Ireland peace process and the Good Friday Agreement, and many Canadians have been engaged in supporting this process.
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