Congressman Dennis Kucinich, (D) Ohio, has called for the speedy return of devolution to Northern Ireland.

Kucinich, who is a candidate for the presidency of the United States in 2004, said achieving peace and justice in Ireland was "an important step towards the resolution of the regional conflicts which persist in today's world community."

In a statement released today, Congressman Kucinich said he stood "in full support of the Irish peace process and of their returned devolution".

"American foreign policy towards Ireland represents an opportunity to positively impact the international peace process, and, as President, I would support the highest level of involvement in the negotiations of the Irish Peace Process. My administration would consider all options for the most effective placement of this responsibility to determine whether it belongs in the hands of the National Security Council or elsewhere within the structure of the US government. 

³I would consider sending a special envoy of representatives to Ireland as needed to ensure the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement, which I believe represents a valuable opportunity for peace after many years of violent conflict," Kucinich said. 
 Acknowledging that human rights was a key element of the Good Friday Agreement, the Ohio congressman said he strongly support efforts to increase human rights and to punish those individuals and governments which systematically violate these rights.

"The work of independent organizations such as Human Rights Watch contributes greatly to the international community¹s understanding of these violations which occur all too frequently. A Kucinich administration will continue efforts to identify and punish offenders wherever possible," he said.

Acknowledging that the use of federal agencies and their employees to enforce statutes and regulations was a key issue facing Irish-Americans today, Congressman Kucinich said that the US government had already designated federal agencies to ensure that recipients of US funds are in compliance with fair employment standards and that officers trained by the US military have not committed human rights violations. 

"A Kucinich administration would continue to support these agencies in their efforts to enforce the laws of the US," he said.

Congressman Kucinich, whose mother hails from Co. Mayo said, if elected President, he would visit Ireland as part of a diplomatic envoy. He said it was the best and most effective way for a President to "truly understand the issues and concerns of Irish-Americans so that he/she can better meet their needs in the United States".

"To the millions of Irish-Americans seeking lasting peace for their native region, I say, you have my full support."