Statement by the Prime Minister

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien issued this statement following the news today of the results of the Irish referendum on the Stormont Agreement:

All Canadians join me in welcoming the decisive endorsement of the Stormont Agreement.

The people of Northern Ireland and of the Republic of Ireland have taken the counsel of their hopes for the future rather than the fears of the past. They have turned away from the false promise of violence and have chosen to enter the new century on the path of peace and reconciliation.

The implementation of the Agreement will bring its own challenges. But Canadians are confident that having had the courage to take a risk for peace, the Irish people continue to travel the road of tolerance, understanding and prosperity.

Canada will continue to support the peace process in any way we can.

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555