June 21, 2004

"All eyes will be on Ireland this weekend as a historic Irish presidency of the European Union draws to a close. During the last six months and under Irish leadership the European Union expanded from 15 to 25 member states and negotiated its first ever constitution. Taoiseach Bertie Ahern deserves recognition and congratulations for his hard work and diplomatic accomplishments. 

This weekend, President Bush will join European Union leaders in the west of Ireland for the EU/US Summit. There are many important issues facing the United States and the European Union; however, American presidential leadership is also needed on the issues facing the island of Ireland. 

Over the last four years, there have been significant setbacks in the Northern Ireland peace process and the Assembly there remains suspended. I hope the current efforts by the Irish and British governments and the political parties to break the impasse are successful. That effort must involve the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement. 

The US has a strong interest in promoting peace and as President I will stand ready to assist the British and Irish governments and all of those who work for peace, justice and democracy in Northern Ireland, playing whatever constructive and pro-active role may be of use to advance the peace process."