Skip to main content

Statement from President Joe Biden on the Windsor Framework



"Today’s announcement between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the Windsor Framework is an essential step to ensuring that the hard-earned peace and progress of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement is preserved and strengthened. I appreciate the efforts of the leaders and officials on all sides who worked tirelessly to find a way forward that protects Northern Ireland’s place within the UK’s internal market as well as the EU’s single market, to the benefit of all communities in Northern Ireland. 

"I am confident the people and businesses of Northern Ireland will be able to take full advantage of the economic opportunities created by this stability and certainty, and the United States stands ready to support the region’s vast economic potential. Joe Kennedy, our new Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, will drive this effort in close cooperation with Ambassador Jane Hartley in London and Ambassador Claire Cronin in Dublin, as well as with business leaders in Northern Ireland. 

 "Northern Ireland can accomplish the extraordinary when its leaders work together in common cause. And I hope – as we all do – that Northern Ireland’s political institutions are soon back up and running. Those institutions embody the principle of devolved, power-sharing, representative government at the core of the Good Friday Agreement. 

 "As Northern Ireland prepares to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Agreement in April, let us remember that ending decades of conflict was not easy or inevitable. It required hard work and determination, and an unfailing faith that a better future was possible.  Today, an entire generation of young people has grown up knowing only possibility and growing prosperity—the hard-earned dividend of peace. I am deeply proud of the role the United States has played for decades to help achieve, preserve, and strengthen that peace enshrined in the Agreement. And I look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners in Northern Ireland, the Governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland, and the European Union, to further that peace and prosperity. "

###

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Remarks by President Barack Obama at St. Patrick's Day Reception on March 17, 2010

East Wing, White House PRESIDENT OBAMA: Welcome to St. Patrick’s Day at the White House, on a day when springtime is in the air –- and this is -- even though the Taoiseach hasn’t even shared his shamrocks yet, but we can feel spring coming. Before I say anything else let me just say that I could not have a better partner in a difficult job than the Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden; he does a great job each and every day. (Applause.) And I couldn't have a better partner in life than the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. (Applause.) Welcome back, Mr. Prime Minister, First Lady. We are thrilled to have you. The Irish and Irish-Americans are out in force tonight. I believe, if I'm not mistaken that Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is here. (Applause.) A couple of my Cabinet Secretaries are here, as well –- Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. (Applause.) I would love to ackn...
Post a Comment
Read more

United States - Northern Ireland Economic Conference Set for October 19 in Washington D.C.

The U.S. State Department is hosting a one-day economic conference to showcase American investment opportunities in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, October 19, 2010, at the U.S. State Department. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will preside over the conference of 70-80 participants. The conference was announced on March 17, 2010 following a meeting with President Barack Obama, Secretary Clinton and leaders from Northern Ireland, according to Declan Kelly , US Envoy to Northern Ireland. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are expected to represent Northern Ireland at the conference. Executives from American corporations already doing business in Northern Ireland will share their experiences with corporate executives who are considering investment there. Key partners involved in the conference include Tourism Ireland , the U.S. Consulate in Belfast and the Ireland Funds . For a full list of partners, click here . The conference is part of an ongoing...
Post a Comment
Read more

President Obama Speaks on Comprehensive Immigration Reform in Las Vegas

President Barack Obama today gave a landmark speech on immigration reform today in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Here is a video of the speech . President Obama said, "We define ourselves as a nation of immigrants.  That’s who we are -- in our bones.  The promise we see in those who come here from every corner of the globe, that’s always been one of our greatest strengths.  It keeps our workforce young.  It keeps our country on the cutting edge.  And it’s helped build the greatest economic engine the world has ever known. "The Irish who left behind a land of famine.  The Germans who fled persecution.  The Scandinavians who arrived eager to pioneer out west.  The Polish.  The Russians.  The Italians.  The Chinese.  The Japanese.  The West Indians.  The huddled masses who came through Ellis Island on one coast and Angel Island on the other.  (Applause.)  All those folks, before they were us, they...
Post a Comment
Read more