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Statement by the Prime Minister
December 1, 1999
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today issued the following statement on the devolution of power from Westminster to the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly at Stormont:
"The new Northern Ireland Executive, headed by First Minister David Trimble, is a fresh and important development in the peace process. Bringing together unionists and nationalists, Catholics and Protestants, it will enhance economic and social progress and lead to further implementation of the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
The road to a functioning Executive and Assembly in Northern Ireland has been difficult. Only political leadership of a very high calibre has made possible the tough compromises which were necessary. Both unionist and nationalist leaders have taken great risks for peace, and I congratulate them.
The next big challenge will be the decommissioning of paramilitary weapons. All parties agreed that the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning headed by former Canadian Chief of Defence Staff John de Chastelain, will play the lead role. I have absolute confidence in General de Chastelain's fairness, integrity and professionalism and I know he will continue to play a constructive role in the service of the peace process."
The Prime Minister also expressed appreciation for the tremendous work done by former US Senator George Mitchell, whose skills and devotion to peace helped bring the parties together, and the UK and Irish Governments which have never wavered from the goal of a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland.
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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555
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