    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2002, Book II)]
    [October 14, 2002]
    [Pages 1798-1799]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Northern Ireland
    October 14, 2002

        I support the difficult but necessary decision today by British
    Prime Minister Tony Blair to suspend the Northern
    Ireland Executive and Assembly. I welcome the commitment of Prime
    Minister Blair and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern to restore confidence between the parties and peoples
    of Northern Ireland, hold elections, and reinstate powersharing as soon
    as is possible.

    [[Page 1799]]

        I join their condemnation of sectarianism and violence and echo
    their call for all parties to make unequivocal their commitment to
    exclusively peaceful and democratic means for pursuing their interests.
    There is simply no place for paramilitaries in a democratic society. I
    also applaud the two Governments' recognition of the central importance
    of policing and the need for continued policing reform.
        I welcome the continued close cooperation of the British and Irish
    Governments as they work toward the full implementation of the Good
    Friday agreement. The United States stands ready to assist their
    efforts. I appeal to everyone in Northern Ireland to recognize the great
    benefits that the agreement has already secured. The Good Friday
    agreement remains the best framework for a lasting peace in Northern
    Ireland.