Northern Ireland and Peace Process

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Northern Ireland & Peace Process The origins of the Northern Ireland peace process can be traced back to the agreement generally known as the Anglo-Irish Agreement, which was signed in 1985 between the British and Irish governments. According to this agreement, the United Kingdom accepted the condition that the constitutional status of Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom will not be changed without the approval of the majority of Irish citizens. It also recognized the fact that the Irish government will be awarded an active role in the issues and decision-makings related to Northern Ireland. However, it should be noted that the most important influence of this accord was observed in the form of the development of a stable and institutionalized mutual support between the two governments. This aspect is considered to be the most helpful factor in the achievement of a long-lasting settlement in Northern Ireland. One of the most important positive outcomes of this agreement was that it allowed the British as well as Irish administrations to at least develop some progressive and growth oriented policies for the Northern Irish region and its people. This is an important aspect that was ignored by both the governments for a considerable period of time. One of the issues of major focus between both the governments, during the peace process, has been that a mutual understanding should be reached between the two governments so that some level of political and constitutional developments should be made in the region and some political stability should be brought. This will not only help to reach to a peaceful solution to the issue but will discourage the violent elements of Northern Ireland to prolong further. In the coming years, the go...

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...issioning of weapons and made it clear that the majority of the unionists were not prepared to initiate talks with Sinn Fein. The IRA realized that the British government was not willing to address its interests and therefore called off its ceasefire in the beginning of 1996. However, it should be noted that the peace process has not yet ended with the ending of the IRA ceasefire. It had been making some developments during these years and is expected to make progress in the years to come. Works Cited Patrick Michael Rucker: This Troubled Land: Voices from Northern Ireland on the Front Lines of Peace: Ballantine Books, 2002 Brendan O'Leary & John McGarry: The Politics of Antagonism: Understanding Northern Ireland: Athlone Press, 1996 Harold H. Saunders: A Public Peace Process: Sustained Dialogue to Transform Racial and Ethnic Conflicts: Palgrave Macmillan, 1999

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