[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 482 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                In the House of Representatives, U. S.,

                                                         July 11, 2007.
Whereas the Good Friday Agreement, signed on April 10, 1998, in Belfast, and 
        endorsed in a referendum by the overwhelming majority of people in 
        Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, set forth a blueprint for 
        lasting peace in Northern Ireland;
Whereas on May 8, 2007, leaders from the major political parties in Northern 
        Ireland took office as part of an agreement to share power in accordance 
        with the democratic mandate of the Good Friday Agreement;
Whereas on May 8, 2007, Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness became Northern 
        Ireland's first minister and deputy first minister, marking the 
        beginning of a new era of power-sharing;
Whereas Dr. Paisley, the Democratic Unionist leader, and Mr. McGuinness, the 
        Sinn Fein negotiator, have put aside decades of conflict and moved 
        toward historic reconciliation and unity in Northern Ireland;
Whereas on May 8, 2007, Dr. Paisley declared, ``I believe that Northern Ireland 
        has come to a time of peace, a time when hate will no longer rule.'';
Whereas Mr. McGuinness declared this new government to be ``a fundamental change 
        of approach, with parties moving forward together to build a better 
        future for the people that we represent'';
Whereas former British Prime Minister Tony Blair declared that ``[T]oday marks 
        not just the completion of the transition from conflict to peace, but 
        also gives the most visible expression to the fundamental principle on 
        which the peace process has been based. The acceptance that the future 
        of Northern Ireland can only be governed successfully by both 
        communities working together, equal before the law, equal in the mutual 
        respect shown by all and equally committed both to sharing power and to 
        securing peace. That is the only basis upon which true democracy can 
        function and by which normal politics can at last after decades of 
        violence and suffering come to this beautiful but troubled land.'';
Whereas the Taoiseach of Ireland, Bertie Ahern, declared that ``[O]n this day, 
        we mark the historic beginning of a new era for Northern Ireland. An era 
        founded on peace and partnership. An era of new politics and new 
        realities.'';
Whereas both communities have worked together in a spirit of cooperation and 
        mutual respect to solve the problems of concern to all the people of 
        Northern Ireland, including the decision by all the major political 
        parties to join the Northern Ireland Police Board and support the Police 
        Service of Northern Ireland; and
Whereas President George W. Bush, like his predecessor President William J. 
        Clinton, has worked tirelessly to bring the parties in Northern Ireland 
        together in support of fulfilling the promises of the Good Friday 
        Agreement: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved,  That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--
            (1) the United States stands strongly in support of the new power-
        sharing government in Northern Ireland;
            (2) political leaders of Northern Ireland, former Prime Minister 
        Tony Blair, and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern should be commended for acting in 
        the best interest of the people of Northern Ireland by forming the new 
        power-sharing government;
            (3) May 8, 2007, will be remembered as an historic day and an 
        important milestone in cementing peace and unity for Northern Ireland 
        and a shining example for nations around the world plagued by internal 
        conflict and violence; and
            (4) the United States stands ready to support this new government 
        and to work with the people of Northern Ireland as they strive for 
        lasting peace for the people of Northern Ireland.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.