    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 15 (Monday, April 14, 2003)]
    [Page 421]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony
    Blair of the United Kingdom and Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of Ireland
    on Northern Ireland

    April 8, 2003

        We affirm our individual and collective commitment to the Good
    Friday Agreement and to its full and complete implementation. The people
    of Northern Ireland and their leaders have a momentous opportunity to
    ensure that peace is strengthened and political stability secured.
        The opportunity to cement the peace is historic. The case is
    compelling; the cause just; the outcome must be fair, balanced, and
    comprehensive. The acceptance and implementation of the Governments'
    forthcoming proposals would promote the reconciliation that the people
    of Northern Ireland desire and deserve.
        These proposals, built on the firm ground of the Good Friday
    Agreement, hold out the prospect of enormous progress. They reflect our
    shared view that there can be no place in Northern Ireland for
    paramilitary activity and capability. The break with paramilitarism in
    all its past forms must be complete and irrevocable. The proposals will
    encompass a wide range of additional issues, including normalization,
    the devolution of justice and policing, sustainable political
    institutions, and human rights. The participation of all parties in
    effective community policing, a necessary key to long term stability in
    Northern Ireland, would constitute a significant step forward. There
    will be a need for a mechanism, one designed to safeguard the interests
    and rights of all, to verify compliance with the key undertakings. All
    three Governments are committed to supporting effective monitoring
    arrangements. Acts of completion, and a reaffirmation that political
    change is to come through exclusively peaceful and democratic means,
    will renew and expand trust and confidence.
        Peace is its own dividend. At the same time, peace fosters an
    environment where entrepreneurship and business creativity can thrive,
    where jobs will be created, and where prosperity will follow. Our
    governments have agreed to work together to explore ways to encourage
    the flow of investment to Northern Ireland.
        We call upon Northern Ireland's political representatives, community
    and business leaders, and citizens from all walks of life to respond
    positively to the forthcoming statements. We see no better way to
    fulfill the promise of the Good Friday Agreement. They have an
    unprecedented chance to continue their bold march from a troubled past
    to a future of promise and hope for generations to come. In seizing this
    opportunity, Northern Ireland will serve as a model to the world for
    dialogue and negotiation, demonstrating to all that what was once
    divided can be drawn together in a spirit of reconciliation and respect.

    Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of
    this joint statement.