[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 128 (Saturday, August 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1766]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              H. RES. 482

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2007

  Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong 
support of H. Res. 482. This resolution expresses the House of 
Representatives support for the power-sharing government in Northern 
Ireland, all leaders and parties involved in making this agreement a 
reality, and the elections that were held on May 8, 2007.
  As an American with Irish ancestry, I had the honor to travel to 
Northern Ireland to meet with women, both Catholic and Protestant, who 
continue to work tirelessly to move peace forward. It has also been my 
great pleasure to host and mentor women from Northern Ireland in my 
congressional office, as they take part in parliamentary workshops 
through the International Women's Democracy Center.
  The negotiations, subsequent efforts and implementation of the Good 
Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, demonstrate the 
ability of people to come together and achieve partnership out of 
conflict. Moving peace forward in Northern Ireland, as well as in other 
areas of the world, requires confidence in the judicial system to 
ensure justice and fairness for all citizens and confidence in the 
ability to enforce the laws that are passed.
  History has proven that in order to achieve an accomplishment as 
monumental as this the willingness to compromise by parties involved is 
key to attaining a positive result. With Parliamentary elections held 
recently the government of Northern Ireland has begun to see the fruits 
of its labor. So many others like former Senator George Mitchell and 
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair should be incredibly proud of 
the hard work to bring peace and end the conflict.
  The United States stands with the people of Northern Ireland in their 
search for democracy, justice, and peace. My hopes and prayers are with 
the people of Northern Ireland as they continue on this journey. I am 
proud to stand in support of this resolution, and in support of efforts 
to strengthen democracy and rule of law in Northern Ireland. I urge my 
colleagues to join me.

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