Statement by the Prime Minister and the Taoiseach
Despite the demonstrable progress that has been made, and reflected in the Joint Declaration of the two Governments and associated documents published last week, the two Governments regret that it has not proved possible to establish a basis for the early restoration of the devolved institutions in Northern Ireland.
In the course of our discussions today, we have reiterated our long held view that the partnership of the two Governments is essential to achieving continuing political progress in Northern Ireland. That partnership remains strong and will continue.
We also agreed that future progress and stability is dependent upon restoring the trust and confidence necessary to sustain inclusive government in Northern Ireland. That requires an unambiguous commitment to a definitive end to all paramilitary activity. It also requires an unequivocal commitment to the full and inclusive operation of all of the institutions of the Agreement.
The two Governments will continue to work together to try to create these conditions. We would welcome an unambiguous response from the IRA which makes clear that there will be a definitive end to all paramilitary activity such as those referred to in paragraph 13 of the Joint Declaration. An end to all paramilitary activities by other groups is also essential.
The Joint Declaration contains many elements which are not conditional upon action by others, for example in the areas of policing, criminal justice, equality, human rights and some aspects of normalisation. Availing of the machinery of the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference, these will now be taken forward as part of the ongoing implementation of the Good Friday Agreement to which both Governments remain fully committed.
We reaffirm the view we expressed in October that, notwithstanding the disappointment of the past few weeks, the 1998 Agreement remains the only sustainable basis for a fair and honourable accommodation between unionists and nationalists. The Joint Declaration of the two Governments is clear evidence of that belief. We call upon all to recognise the progress that the Agreement has already made possible and to support its full implementation in the months ahead.