[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 82 (Thursday, May 17, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6311-S6312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENATE RESOLUTION 209--EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR THE NEW POWER-SHARING 
                     GOVERNMENT IN NORTHERN IRELAND

  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:

                              S. Res. 209

       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 Fein 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

[[Page S6312]]

       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
       Resolved, 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.

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