Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern has met the US special envoy for Northern Ireland, Dr Mitchell Reiss, to discuss developments in the peace process and review prospects for progress following the recent elections.
After the meeting yesterday, the Minister said: "I very much welcomed the opportunity to meet ambassador Reiss again and to exchange views on recent developments. I underlined in particular the Government's commitment to achieving a definitive end to paramilitarism and to securing stable and inclusive government in Northern Ireland at the earliest possible opportunity.
"The Good Friday agreement remains the template for a just and lasting peace in Northern Ireland and we remain totally committed to its full implementation.
"Both governments are pursuing renewed engagement with the parties on a constructive and inclusive basis with a view to moving the process decisively forward."
Mr Ahern said the support of President George Bush, Dr Reiss and the US administration was appreciated.
