US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said today’s agreement on devolution will help consolidate the hard-won gains of the past decade.
Mrs Clinton, who visited Belfast last October, said she has been in regular contact with the Northern Ireland parties and recognised that the path to agreement was “bumpy”.
“This is not the end of the journey. So far, the devolution process has enabled Northern Ireland’s leaders to enact a range of needed reforms, from health to housing to environmental safety. Now they have even greater authority, and with that authority comes greater responsibility. They must continue to lead,” she said.
“The people of Northern Ireland are poised to build a thriving society on this stronger foundation a country where neighbors can live free from fear and all people have the opportunity to fulfill their God-given potential."
Mrs Clinton said the success of the peace process was an example to conflict-blighted regions across the world.
“Northern Ireland gives us hope that, despite entrenched opposition and innumerable setbacks, diligent diplomacy and committed leadership can overcome generations of suspicion and hostility.
She said the Obama administration, through its Northern Ireland economic envoy Declan Kelly, would continue its work to ensure the future economic development of Northern Ireland.
She said she would host a meeting in Washington with First Minister Robinson and Deputy First Minister McGuinness in the near future to discuss future investment in the North.
“I am confident that people of Northern Ireland will make the most of this moment. And I want to reaffirm the commitment of the United States - and my personal commitment as well-to support Northern Ireland in every way we can.”
