The full statement issued by the British and Irish governments on Saturday said:
14 July 2001
For many months, most recently in the intensive discussions which have just concluded, the two governments and the pro-agreement parties have been seeking an agreed basis on which to move towards the full implementation of all outstanding aspects of the agreement.
The outstanding issues relate to policing, the stability of the institutions, security normalisation and decommissioning. While each of these issues is best addressed in its own terms rather than being seen as a precondition for progress on any other, the agreement can only succeed if all parts of it are implemented together.
We have worked hard on each of these issues, and have made progress.
We do not believe now that further negotiation is necessary. It is now for us, on the basis of our discussions, to draw together a final package. In the meantime, we ask all involved to reflect very carefully.
We remain convinced that the full implementation of the Good Friday agreement is the wish of the great majority of the people. They want and deserve to enjoy the full benefits of the agreement for which they voted.
In the three years since the agreement was reached, immense progress has been made. The extent of this progress is set out in the document we are releasing today which sets out the achievements so far in the implementation of the agreement. It would be tragic if, collectively, we were to fail to maintain and build on these achievements.
We believe that, with sufficient political will all round, we can and will succeed.