Congressman Chris Smith (R Hamilton), Vice Chairman of the House International Relations Committee and a leader in Congress promoting human rights, peace and justice in Northern Ireland made the following statement today regarding the announcement of elections in November.

    “The unfettered operation of a power-sharing, democratically elected government is a lynch-pin of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland,” Smith said.  “Holding these elections is critical to sustaining the confidence of the citizens of Northern Ireland as well as the support of those of us who have worked hard to promote human rights reforms, peace, and justice in the north.

    “The hard work and commitment of the leaders in the Irish and British governments as well as the leaders of the political parties has brought us to this point.  We welcome their progress and we urge all of them to redouble their efforts so that the election will be held as announced and the Northern Ireland Assembly will be able to operate and function for the benefit of the people.

    “I remain committed to doing everything I can to provide continued U.S. support for the peace process and the complete implementation of policing reforms, demilitarization, decommissioning, and the protection of fundamental human rights for all of the people of Northern Ireland,” Smith added.

    Earlier this year, the House passed legislation written by Smith that would provide $50 million over the next two years to the International Fund for Ireland, an account that has played a critical role in supporting programs to foster economic development, reconciliation, and cross-community programs in Northern Ireland.

    Smith also wrote the language, which became law, that prohibits members of the then Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC, now Police Service of Northern Ireland), who were known to be involved in human rights abuses, from training and participating in exchange programs with U.S. law enforcement officials.