30 June 2006 Northern Ireland – Statement by Prime Ministers Blair and Ahern
The United States supports the June 29 statement by United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern outlining the steps needed to restore devolved government for Northern Ireland. Political will is needed if the Stormont Assembly is to find a formula to restore devolution by the November 24 deadline. We call upon all parties to continue to engage seriously and respectfully, to consult with their constituencies and communities, and to return to Stormont in the autumn prepared to work together for the restoration of devolved institutions. We support the desire of the people of Northern Ireland for progress. We call upon the political leaders to demonstrate the courage and statesmanship necessary to return local governance to Northern Ireland, to officials elected by the people of Northern Ireland working in devolved institutions.
State Department Press Statement