The 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement was recently celebrated in Belfast, marked by the presence of current US President Joe Biden, King Charles of Great Britain, former US President Bill Clinton, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and the former Prime Minister of Ireland Bertie. Ahern. In this article you will learn everything about the Good Friday Agreement.
What is the Good Friday Agreement?
Also known as the Belfast Agreement, the Good Friday Agreement is a peace treaty signed on April 10, 1998 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was an agreement between the British and Irish governments that aimed to end the sectarian violence that had plagued Northern Ireland for decades, commonly known as “The Troubles”. Some of the negotiators of this agreement included British Prime Minister Tony Blair, former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and George Mitchell, who was then US President Bill Clinton’s messenger.
What were the problems?
In 1921, Northern Ireland was created and remained part of the United Kingdom when the rest of Ireland became an independent state. This led to a division of the population between unionists, who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom, and nationalists who wanted it to become part of the Republic of Ireland. Although Northern Ireland remained with the United Kingdom, tensions between armed groups on both sides, such as the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), increased, leading to widespread bombings and shootings. These tensions lasted almost 30 years and claimed the lives of more than 3,500 people.
What did the Good Friday Agreement suggest?
The Good Friday Agreement suggests the idea of cooperation between communities. He established a new government for Northern Ireland that will be represented by both unionists and nationalists. This government will have power over most local affairs, while the UK government will deal with foreign policy, security, tax laws and immigration rules. Furthermore, on May 22, 1998, in a referendum between Ireland and Northern Ireland, the agreement won the approval of 94% of voters in Ireland and 71% in Northern Ireland.
What is the current status of the Good Friday Agreement?
The end of bloodshed was one of the most significant achievements of the Good Friday Agreement. However, after Brexit, Northern Ireland became the only part of the United Kingdom to have a land border with a European Union country, Ireland. Due to varying EU and UK product standards, checks would be important before goods can move from Northern Ireland to Ireland. Both sides agreed that this should not happen on the Irish border given the history and peace established after the long fighting. Thus, it was concluded that the controls would be carried out between Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This decision was opposed by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) and as a result continues to boycott Stormont.
What has been done to solve the crisis?
To resolve this crisis, the UK and EU agreed on the Northern Ireland Protocol in February. Goods are now checked to ensure they comply with EU standards upon arrival in Northern Ireland from the rest of the UK. This plan has been supported by the nationalist party Sinn Féin, however, the unionist party Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) this law weakens the agreement as it distinguishes them from the rest of the United Kingdom.
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Source: ptivs2.edu.vn