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The Good Friday Agreement provides the way forward for Northern Ireland's politicians to tackle the real life needs of Northern Ireland and to develop the opportunities for a better future for all the people of the Province. The Agreement has provided an historic opportunity to put aside the division and violence of the past and to move forward on the basis of a settlement reached by Unionists, Nationalists, Republicans and Loyalists on which they can build a stable future together.

The Agreement has also provided the framework for developing co-operation within the island of Ireland and within the totality of relationships that affect all the people of Britain and Ireland. New partnerships to develop the full potential for growth across a wide range of activity and to deal with a legacy of division and violence.

The Agreement also provides greater fairness for all the people of Northern Ireland in the rights guaranteed to every citizen. The entire community is looking towards a future where the talents of all the people can be used to boost the long term potential of the Province.

The British and Irish Governments and the Northern Ireland pro-Agreement parties have successfully implemented most of the Agreement and are continuing to work together to resolve the outstanding issues. The British Government will continue to play its full part to secure a peaceful future for the people of Northern Ireland.