Minister Cowen meets with Richard Haass
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen, T.D. met with Ambassador Richard Haass at Farmleigh today.
Ambassador Haass, who is US President George Bush's point person on Ireland, is on a three day visit to Ireland and Britain as part of his ongoing contacts with all those involved in the Irish Peace Process.
Minister Cowen welcomed the opportunity to reiterate the Government's appreciation for the continued US support for the peace process. He took the opportunity to update Ambassador Haass on recent political developments in Northern Ireland and the vital importance of encouraging and building support for the peace process on all sides of the community.
In particular Minister Cowen emphasised the government's concerns about the deteriorating security situation at interface areas in Belfast and the need for all parties to support the efforts of the Police Service of Northern Ireland to reduce community tensions.
Minister Cowen said
" The Government remains fully committed to the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement in all its aspects including effective and consistent policing. Recent violent events only serve to emphasise the need for everyone to intensify our efforts to build the political process."Top
