[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.