OUR Joe Bidenspeaking at the University of Belfast, called on Northern Ireland’s political forces to “overcome what divides them to end the paralysis of political institutions”whose activities are boycotted by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) due to the consequences of Brexit.
The President of the United States, who usually emphasizes his maternal Irish roots, during today’s speech made a rare mention of his paternal British roots.
Joe Biden recalled that three decades ago, a university building made of glass and metal would have been unthinkable for a city like Belfast, then littered with barbed wire, rocked by explosions and deadly clashes.
“The lesson of the Good Friday agreements is that when things look more fragile (…), then there is a greater need for hope and effort,” he said, praising its economic dynamism. Northern IrelandBritish province in which Washington promises to invest.
“I hope that the work of Parliament and government will be restored soon,” he said, stressing that the final decision rests with the political leaders of Northern Ireland.
The US president, who has previously met with leaders of Northern Ireland’s main political parties, said that preserving the hard-won peace 25 years ago is a “priority” for the US.
The leader of the Democratic Unionist Party of Northern Ireland, for his part, said that Joe Biden’s visit to Northern Ireland would not change his party’s position for more than a year, boycotting the British provincial government.
“This does not change the political dynamics in Northern Ireland. We know what needs to happen,” Jeffrey Donaldson told reporters after meeting with the US president.
“We believe the (UK) government needs to do more to protect Northern Ireland’s place within the UK. and our ability to trade in the UK domestic market. This must happen so that we can begin to rebuild political institutions.”
Source: APE-MPE-AFP.
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Source: Kathimerini
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