Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Congressman Peter King's response to the IRA Statement

"I commend today's statement from the IRA ordering an end to its armed campaign, affirming its members will engage in the democratic process through exclusively peaceful means, and completely putting its arms beyond use. These words are a dramatic step forward and will strongly advance the peace process. It is my hope that all other paramilitary organizations follow the IRA's lead and do the same.

While great progress has been made over the past decade, much still needs to be done. For some time the peace process has been at a standstill, but now is an historic opportunity for the respective parties and governments to build on this positive movement. The complete implementation of the Good Friday Agreement must occur along with the reinstatement of the Northern Ireland Assembly and power-sharing Executive as well as the full implementation of the Patten police recommendations. Additionally, the continued demilitarization and devolution of policing and justice powers along with advances on human rights and equality must also go forward.

But for this to happen there needs to be a genuine effort put forth by both governments and all the parties to restart negotiations at the earliest date. I am confident that the Bush Administration and the Congress will continue to assist and advance the peace process in every way possible."

Rep. Peter T. King is a Co-Chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish Affairs and a senior Member of the House International Relations Committee.