Senate Resolution No. 679 BY: Senator WEBER REAFFIRMING support for the Good Friday Agreement to ensure a lasting peace in Northern Ireland and commemorating its 25th Anniversary WHEREAS, The Good Friday Agreement, also known as the Belfast Agreement, was signed on April 10, 1998; and WHEREAS, The Good Friday Agreement ended decades of sectarian violence and political instability in Northern Ireland, which had claimed over 3,500 lives and left countless others injured and traumatized and has allowed a generation to grow up in previously unimagined peace; and WHEREAS, The Good Friday Agreement established a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, with representation from all traditions and communities; and WHEREAS, The Good Friday Agreement enshrines human rights protections, equality provisions, and a commitment to address the legacy of the troubles with transparency, truth and justice; and WHEREAS, The Good Friday Agreement has been widely recognized as a landmark achievement in conflict resolution and a model for other divided societies around the world; and WHEREAS, The Good Friday Agreement is commemorating its 25th anniversary in 2023, providing an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and challenges, as well as its continuing relevance in a changing political landscape; and WHEREAS, The United States has played a crucial role in supporting the Good Friday Agreement, with President Bill Clinton and his administration helping to facilitate the negotiations and succeeding administrations providing political and economic support for its implementation; and WHEREAS, The United States has a strategic interest in promoting peace and stability in Northern Ireland and ensuring that the Good Friday Agreement continues to be upheld and strengthened; and WHEREAS, The Good Friday Agreement has faced challenges in recent years, including Brexit, the suspension of the power-sharing government due to the Democratic Unionist Party's refusal to participate in government, and a British government proposal to create an unprecedented amnesty for criminal activities of its forces, including murder, committed during the Northern Ireland conflict in direct contravention of the Good Friday Agreement; and WHEREAS, The restoration of the devolved government in Northern Ireland is crucial to the continued implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and the effective governance of Northern Ireland; and WHEREAS, The State of New York reaffirms its commitment to the Good Friday Agreement, recognizing it as a cornerstone of peace and stability in Northern Ireland; and WHEREAS, In addition, the State of New York urges all parties in Northern Ireland to restore the Stormont Government and, in the spirit of the Good Friday Agreement, address the outstanding issues and challenges through the peaceful institutions of democratic governance and ensure that the vision for a shared peaceful and just future is realized; and WHEREAS, The State of New York calls on the United States government to continue its support for the Good Friday Agreement and encourage its Special Envoy to facilitate dialogue and cooperation between Northern Ireland and the United States; and WHEREAS, The State of New York recognizes the importance of the Good Friday Agreement for promoting human rights, equality, and reconciliation and pledges to support initiatives that advance these values, including parity of esteem, conflict resolution, and the legacy of the troubles; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to reaffirm support for the Good Friday Agreement to ensure a lasting peace in Northern Ireland and to commemorate its 25th Anniversary.