President Joe Biden said keeping the peace in Northern Ireland was a “priority” for the United States as he promised “opportunity” and “investment” in the region.
On the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement in Belfast, President Biden told the audience, “The American people are with you every step of the way.”
Biden said Brexit created “challenging problems” for Northern Ireland but praised Rishi Sunak’s post-Brexit deal, known as the Windsor Framework, as a deal that would lead to “significant investment” in the region.
The President announced that US Special Envoy Joe Kennedy will lead a business trade delegation to Northern Ireland later this year to help the country realize its “tremendous economic potential.”
“I deeply appreciate the personal leadership of Prime Minister Sunak and Commissioner von der Leyen in reaching an agreement,” Biden said.
“The Windsor Framework captures the practical realities of Brexit and is an important step in ensuring that the hard-won peace and progress made under the Good Friday Agreement is preserved and consolidated.
“Negotiators have listened to business leaders in the UK and Ireland on what they need to be successful and I believe the stability and predictability offered by this structure will lead to increased investment, significant investment in Northern Ireland.”
He urged Northern Ireland politicians to allow a return to power-sharing, arguing that a stable devolved government could bring economic benefits.
“This is a decision for you to make, not for me, but it seems to me that they are connected,” he said. “An effective devolved government that reflects and is accountable to the people of Northern Ireland, a government that works together to find solutions to complex problems, will create even more opportunities in the region.
“Therefore, I hope that the Assembly and the executive power will be restored soon. It’s up to you to decide, not me, but I hope that’s the way it will be.”
The Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland (DUP) is currently blocking the formation of a government in protest of the Brexit deal over concerns over trade barriers between the UK and Northern Ireland.
DUP leader Sir Geoffrey Donaldson suggested Biden’s visit, and his comments won’t change that.
Speaking to reporters after the speech and after the meeting of the President of the United States with the leaders of political parties, Sir Geoffrey said: “I had a short conversation with the President, and he made it clear that this was not his job, since we were part of his speech. decisions for Northern Ireland’s political leaders, but the US stands ready to support Northern Ireland in any way possible.”
Asked if Biden’s comments had an impact on the post-Brexit political impasse, he said: “It doesn’t change the political dynamics in Northern Ireland.”
He added: “We believe the government must go further to protect Northern Ireland’s place in the UK and our ability to trade on the UK single market.
“This must happen so that we can move towards the restoration of political institutions. We need the government to deliver on what they have promised to protect our place in the UK.
President Biden’s visit to Northern Ireland comes as the region celebrates the 25th anniversary of the historic Good Friday Peace Agreement, which created power-sharing institutions in Stormont.
President Biden paid tribute to the politicians who reached the 1998 peace deal, saying it “transformed” the region.
“Peace was not inevitable, we must never forget that,” he said, adding, “I want you all, especially the youth, to know that the American people will be with you every step of the way.”
President Biden continued: “Support the people of Northern Ireland, keep the peace in Northern Ireland. […] takes precedence.”
Mr Biden and Mr Sunak had previously met for brief talks in Belfast.
Mr Sunak said the couple had a “very good conversation” with President Biden about economic investment in Northern Ireland and foreign policy issues.
“Based on the meeting I had with him in the US last month, I will see him again at the G7 next month and then I will go to Washington in June; We are very close partners and allies, we are working together on a number of things, whether it is support for Ukraine or economic security,” he said.
“I think the relationship is actually in great shape and the president and I have a lot to work on together.”
Source: I News
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