Statement by the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien issued this statement following the announcement today of a comprehensive agreement on the government of Northern Ireland:

"On behalf of the people of Canada, I congratulate all the parties to this historic agreement. They have listened to the pleas of their people to put aside old grievances, to resist ingrained habits of mistrust and suspicion, and to break the cycle of violent provocation and retribution that have for too long told the story of life in Northern Ireland.

I would like to pay a special tribute to Prime Minister Tony Blair of Great Britain and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, whose leadership and commitment were essential to making the process a success. And all Canadians feel a special pride about the role that John de Chastelain played in building confidence among the parties.

The agreement is not the final step in achieving a lasting peace. There is much hard work still ahead. But the new dynamic for peace it has created gives all of us hope that an end to this sad and terrible conflict is finally within reach."

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555


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