U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Vice Chairman of the House International Relations Committee and a leader in Congress promoting human rights, peace and justice in Northern Ireland issued the following statement today following the Irish Republican Army’s (IRA’s) declaration of an end to its campaign of violence: 

    “It is my greatest hope that today’s statement from the IRA is a true and final denunciation of violence and a long overdue recognition that the only way forward in the North of Ireland is through democratic action through a peaceful and democratic approach.” said Smith, who has held ten hearings on the peace process human rights and police reform in Northern Ireland. “With this announcement, new life is given to the Good Friday Agreement. We look to see a full restoration of the suspended democratic institutions and further progress on policing reform, government accountability, and the rule of law.”

    Smith, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations, has authored numerous bills and resolutions – that have passed the House or become law – to promote peace and policing reform in Northern Ireland. Most recently, the House of Representatives passed his bill – HR 2601, the Foreign Relations Authorization Act – on July 20 which provided funding and support for the Office of the Police Ombudsman. This office was created by the Good Friday Agreement as an independent impartial police complaints and human rights monitoring system for the people of Northern Ireland.

    Smith also wrote the language – which later became law – that created a screening process that now prohibits members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC, now Police Service of Northern Ireland) who are known to have been involved in human rights abuses from participating in training and exchange programs with U.S. law enforcement officials.