III 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 209 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 17, 2007 Mr. Kennedy (for himself, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Biden, Ms. Collins, Mr. Kerry, Mrs. Clinton, Mr. Leahy, Mr. McCain, Mr. Schumer, Mr. Smith, and Mr. Obama) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Expressing support for the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

Whereas, on May 8, 2007, the Reverend 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 Reverend Paisley, the Democratic Unionist leader, and Mr. McGuinness, the Sinn Féin negotiator, have put aside decades of conflict and moved towards historic reconciliation and unity in Northern Ireland; Whereas, on May 8, 2007, Reverend 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 British Prime Minister Tony Blair declared that today 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 on 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.; 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 Accords. Now, therefore, be it

That it is the sense of the Senate that— (1)the United States stands strongly in support of the new power-sharing government in Northern Ireland; (2)political leaders of Northern Ireland, 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 achieve their goal of lasting peace for those who reside in Northern Ireland.