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07 March 2005

On March 8, the U.S. Consulate and the Community Relations Council will co-host an informal discussion at the Consulate offices with the five major political parties and a wide variety of civic leaders on how to move forward toward a "shared future." The event is part of "Community Relations Week," which runs from March 7-13 with events across Northern Ireland.

   CONSULATE GENERAL  OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR 

                            

N.I. Politicans Talk "Shared Future" with the U.S. Consulate and Community Relations Council

On March 8, the U.S. Consulate and the Community Relations Council will co-host an informal discussion at the Consulate offices with the five major political parties and a wide variety of civic leaders on how to move forward toward a "shared future."    The event is part of "Community Relations Week," which runs from March 7-13 with events across Northern Ireland.

U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, Ambassador Mitchell Reiss will participate via video-link from Williamsburg, VA.     Ambassador Reiss will urge all parties to move as quickly as possible to create a lasting peace deal, while simultaneously working to ensure tolerance and inclusiveness in Northern Ireland society.    Ambassador Reiss said, " A lasting peace will only be achieved if politicians and citizens of Northern Ireland can agree, not only on security and constitutional issues, but also to work together to build one integrated society.  Building a pluralist, tolerant society requires coordinated efforts by all government departments: housing, education, culture, health and transportation, and by all citizens.    A truly shared future means a society that is self-confident and secure in honoring its diverse traditions, including the parades of the loyal orders and the celebration of the Irish language and heritage."

U.S. Consul General Dean Pittman said: "What we are trying to do with this event is create a space in which politicians and civic leaders can have a constructive discussion about the way forward.   Too often here, politicians feel forced to harden their positions in public as we approach elections.   Northern Ireland needs to allow its politicians agree, and I think everyone agrees on the need to build a shared future."

Community Relations Chief Executive Duncan Morrow added: "Improving community relations and political agreement are interdependent in many ways.  The US Consulate's initiative offers an opportunity during community relations week and before an expected election campaign for people working throughout society to engage in exploring the practical and political difficulties which face us on the road to a culture of tolerance."

For further information, please contact Cathy Hurst on 02892 386106 or 0774069-8204; or Peter McKittrick on 02892 386100.