Statement by David Andrews, TD, Minister for Foreign Affairs
The Minister, commenting on today's statements by the parties involved in the Mitchell Review, said:
"These generous and visionary statements represent a further important step towards a resolution of the impasse over the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I congratulate all of the parties for the courage and leadership they are showing.
"The statements should help to build confidence on all sides in the full commitment of the parties to peace and inclusive partnership. The new beginning which we are working to achieve must be based on those principles.
"The Mitchell Review is not yet at an end, but as somebody who has been close to developments during the course of the Review, I am greatly encouraged by events since the weekend. Much still remains to be done to realise the full potential of the Agreement. But today's statements, coming as they do after yesterday's interim report by Senator Mitchell and the International Commission's assessment, are further proof of how much the political climate has changed in the eleven weeks since the Review began. This is a testament to Senator Mitchell's extraordinary skill and patience, and to the determination of the parties to achieve a positive outcome."
