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07/04/2006
US President urges politicians to work together
US President George Bush has urged Northern Ireland's politicians to work together to restore devolved local government.
Mr Bush's statement followed yesterday's announcement from the Irish and British Premiers on their plans on how to restore an all-inclusive power-sharing executive, by the deadline of November 24.
In a statement from the White House, the US President said: "President Bush calls on all parties to demonstrate leadership and seize this opportunity to work together to restore the power-sharing government and resolve outstanding issues.
"In particular, we urge full support for civilian policing throughout Northern Ireland and an unequivocal commitment to the rule of law and the renunciation of all paramilitary and criminal activities.
"We remain steadfast in our support of the peace process and the efforts of the British and Irish Governments to achieve a lasting peace under the principles of the Good Friday Agreement."
Yesterday, the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach announced that they were recalling the Assembly on May 15 and local politicians six weeks to form an executive.
If this fails, then the 108 assembly members would be given a further 12 weeks, after the summer recess, to try to form multi-party devolved government.
However, if this also fails then the MLA's salaries would be stopped and British and Irish governments would join forces to work towards implementing the Good Friday Agreement.
The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach added that they would facilitate discussions between the political parties to discuss the reformation of the executive.
The Northern Ireland assembly was suspended in 2002 following allegations of a Republican spy ring at Stormont.
During yesterday's speech, the Taoiseach commented that murder of former British spy and ex-Sinn Fein member Denis Donaldson in County Donegal would not affect the political process.
(EF/SP)
Mr Bush's statement followed yesterday's announcement from the Irish and British Premiers on their plans on how to restore an all-inclusive power-sharing executive, by the deadline of November 24.
In a statement from the White House, the US President said: "President Bush calls on all parties to demonstrate leadership and seize this opportunity to work together to restore the power-sharing government and resolve outstanding issues.
"In particular, we urge full support for civilian policing throughout Northern Ireland and an unequivocal commitment to the rule of law and the renunciation of all paramilitary and criminal activities.
"We remain steadfast in our support of the peace process and the efforts of the British and Irish Governments to achieve a lasting peace under the principles of the Good Friday Agreement."
Yesterday, the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach announced that they were recalling the Assembly on May 15 and local politicians six weeks to form an executive.
If this fails, then the 108 assembly members would be given a further 12 weeks, after the summer recess, to try to form multi-party devolved government.
However, if this also fails then the MLA's salaries would be stopped and British and Irish governments would join forces to work towards implementing the Good Friday Agreement.
The Prime Minister and the Taoiseach added that they would facilitate discussions between the political parties to discuss the reformation of the executive.
The Northern Ireland assembly was suspended in 2002 following allegations of a Republican spy ring at Stormont.
During yesterday's speech, the Taoiseach commented that murder of former British spy and ex-Sinn Fein member Denis Donaldson in County Donegal would not affect the political process.
(EF/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
