This sets out the two governments' proposals necessary to
secure full implementation of the Agreement by June 2001, in addition to those
already set out in our statement. The
letter is dated 5 May 2000
As
has already been announced, incorporation of the EHCR [European Convention on
Human Rights] into British and Irish domestic law will take effect from October
2000. The British Government has
already invited the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission to advise on the
scope for defining rights supplementary to the Convention.
Under
the legislation which came into effect in January, all designated public
authorities in Northern Ireland will begin to have equality schemes in place
from 1 July 2000.
The
Irish Commission on Human Rights will be established by the Irish Government in
July 2000, so that the Joint Committee of both Human Rights Commissions required
under the Agreement will therefore be established by the end of July 2000.
Both
Governments will continue to take measures and develop programmes to support the
victims of violence and their families.
The
British Government will ratify the Council of Europe Charter on Regional or
Minority Languages by September 2000 and publish within six months an action
plan for implementing the charter. Technical discussions on the steps required
further to extend TG4 reception in Northern Ireland will continue.
Other measures will also be taken including a two year Irish language TV
and film production pilot scheme which will start by April 2001.
The
British Government will progressively take all the necessary steps to secure as
early return as possible to normal security arrangements in Northern Ireland,
consistent with the level of threat. It
will report regularly on the steps taken and will consult with the Irish
Government, and the political parties as appropriate, on measures necessary to
respond to any continuing paramilitary activity.
In
particular, both Governments will continue to oppose with resolute and
determined action any group that uses or threatens violence to disrupt the peace
process, taking whatever measures within the law are justified by the threat.
Legislation
to implement the Patten report will, subject to Parliament, be enacted by
November 2000. The new Policing
Board will be appointed in January 2001 and will assume it responsibilities in
April 2001. A new independent
police recruitment agency will be established, and the first process for
recruits to join the Police Service of Northern Ireland will start in April
2001.
The
British Government has already announced a six month consultation process on the
Criminal Justice Review to end in September, so the Government will announce its
decisions on implementation in October 2000.
Legislation, and a detailed timetable for implementation, will be
published by April 2001.
It
is intended that, in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement, all remaining
prisoners qualifying for early release
will
be released by 28 July 2000. Measures
will continue to be taken to facilitate the reintegration of prisoners into the
community,
and to address related issues.
We
are writing in similar terms to the leaders of other Parties represented in the
Assembly, and of the UDP.
Signed:
TONY
BLAIR
BERTIE AHERN
c.
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