News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER WELCOMES HISTORIC AGREEMENT IN NORTHERN IRELAND

March 26, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today welcomed the new power-sharing arrangement in Northern Ireland.

"I congratulate the leaders of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and Sinn Féin political party in Northern Ireland for their determination to seize this historic opportunity," said the Prime Minister. "This outcome represents the beginning of a new and welcome era for the people of Northern Ireland. The Governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland also deserve credit for their steadfast efforts towards this end."

The two parties have agreed on the arrangement following elections that were held on March 7, 2007. It allows for the restoration of the Northern Ireland Assembly, which has been suspended since 2002.

Canada has long been a supporter of the Northern Ireland Peace Process as well as the Good Friday Agreement, which provides the framework for the devolution of government in Northern Ireland. As part of its support to the process, Canada has contributed more than $7.7 million to the International Fund for Ireland since its inception in 1986. The fund is used to foster mutual understanding and reconciliation between community groups from different traditions in Northern Ireland.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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