"This historic move greatly enhances prospects for the peace process in Northern Ireland to move forward with the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. It is time now for those paramilitaries that have not done so to proceed immediately with the decommissioning of weapons.

On behalf of all Canadians I also want to salute the leadership of John de Chastelain, Head of the Independent International Commission on Decommissioning. He has been instrumental in gaining the confidence of all sides and in creating the conditions for this extremely positive development.

Canada believes that the Good Friday Agreement offers the best hope so far for bringing lasting peace and prosperity to Northern Ireland. Canada also calls on the people of Northern Ireland to seek every opportunity to improve the overall level of trust and cooperation between the nationalist and unionist communities."