The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak celebrated the “difficult decisions” taken and “political imagination” displayed to end the Troubles on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday.
Mr Sunak said there is a need to “recommit to redoubling our efforts” to deliver on the promise made when the deal was signed on April 10 1998.
Reflecting on the “beginning of a new chapter”, the Prime Minister said the agreement “continues to enjoy huge international support”, as demonstrated by Mr Biden’s visit.
He will host US President Joe Biden in Northern Ireland to commemorate the event on 11 April.
“As we look forward, we will celebrate those who took difficult decisions, accepted compromise, and showed leadership – showing bravery, perseverance, and political imagination,” he said.
“We commemorate those who are no longer with us and the many who lost their lives by trying to prevent violence and protect the innocent.
“And we give thanks to them as we reflect on the new generations that have grown up and continue to grow in a world in which peace and prosperity has prevailed.
“While it is time to reflect on the solid progress we have made together, we must also recommit to redoubling our efforts on the promise made in 1998 and the agreements that followed.”
That vision, he said, is of “economic opportunity, prosperity, and stability”.
“So we must get on with the business of governance,” Mr Sunak continued.
“My mission, duty and responsibility as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom is to deliver for people in Northern Ireland.
“We stand ready to work with our partners in the Irish government and the local parties to ensure that the institutions are up and running again as soon as possible.
“There is work to be done.”
Meanwhile, MI5 recently raised the terrorism threat from substantial to severe and PSNI warned about a gun or bomb attack over Easter.
10 April already saw some disturbances as petrol bombs and other missiles have been thrown at officers in Londonderry during an illegal parade in opposition to the Good Friday peace accord, a day before U.S. President Joe Biden visits Belfast.
(Source: Forces.net)
(Image: Courtesy of Number 10)
(Video: Twitter)
