in Northern Ireland
8 May 2007
South African President Thabo Mbeki today, Tuesday, 8 May 2007, expressed on
behalf of the government and people of South Africa, his delight at the news of
the restoration of the Assembly and Executive in Northern Ireland today and
that First Minister the Honourable Rev Dr Ian Paisley MP MLA and Deputy First
Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA, have taken up office.
The restoration of devolution at Stormont paves the way for the completion
of the remarkable process of normalisation and transformation that has been
taking place in Northern Ireland over the past few years. It offers the
representatives of all the people of Northern Ireland the opportunity to come
together to allow the process of reconciliation started by Good Friday to move
forward, and forge the shared, peaceful and prosperous future that they so
richly deserve
The peace process in Northern Ireland has been a long and difficult one, but
once again illustrates that even the most intractable differences can be
settled through negotiation and dialogue, provided that the necessary political
will exists. We hope that others still mired in conflict, in the Middle East
and elsewhere, will take inspiration from the example of Northern Ireland.
South Africa pays tribute to Prime Minister Tony Blair, Taoiseach Bertie
Ahern as well as First Minister Paisley and Mr Gerry Adams for the courage and
leadership they have shown in bringing Northern Ireland to this point. The
Government and people of South Africa wish the Northern Ireland Executive and
Assembly well at this important and historic time. South Africa will continue
to do all it can to support the people of Northern Ireland to reach a lasting
peace.
For more information, contact:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
8 May 2007
