Statement by President Mbeki on the Restoration of Devolution in Northern Ireland

Pretoria - South African President Thabo Mbeki today Tuesday 8 May 2007, expressed on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, his delight at the news of the restoration of the Assembly and Executive in Northern Ireland today and that First Minister the Rt Hon Rev Dr Ian Paisley MP MLA, and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness MP MLA, have taken up office.

The restoration of devolution at Stormont paves the way for the completion of the remarkable process of normalisation and transformation that has been taking place in Northern Ireland over the past few years. It offers the representatives of all the people of Northern Ireland the opportunity to come together to allow the process of reconciliation started by Good Friday to move forward, and forge the shared, peaceful and prosperous future that they so richly deserve

The peace process in Northern Ireland has been a long and difficult one, but once again illustrates that even the most intractable differences can be settled through negotiation and dialogue, providing that the necessary political will exists. We hope that others still mired in conflict, in the Middle East and elsewhere, will take inspiration from the example of Northern Ireland.

South Africa pays tribute to Prime Minister Tony Blair, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern as well as First Minister Paisley and Mr Gerry Adams for the courage and leadership they have shown in bringing Northern Ireland to this point. The Government and people of South Africa wish the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly well at this important and historic time. South Africa will continue to do all it can to support the people of Northern Ireland to reach a lasting peace.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

8 May 2007