N. Ireland parties reach historic deal on past and future

The British government and Northern Ireland's political parties on Tuesday reached an agreement on the region's political and economic future after nearly three months of intensive talks.

The talks, attended by British government officials, Northern Ireland's main political parties and Irish government representatives, sought to strike a deal to resolve the long-standing issues of welfare reform, flags, tradition, parades and the past.

"I am delighted that a workable agreement has been reached that can allow Northern Ireland to enjoy a brighter, more prosperous future," British Prime Minister David Cameron said.

He added that the agreement enables the British government to "offer a significant financial package that opens the way for more prosperity, stability and economic security for Northern Ireland".

"It means the parties can now genuinely begin to overcome the key outstanding issues which have been unresolved since the Belfast Agreement," Cameron said.

According to the deal, the government package represents additional spending of almost $3.1 billion to help Northern Ireland.

Legislation will be brought before the local legislature in January to implement welfare changes alongside funding from the block grant to address local needs.

Northern Ireland's past will be dealt with under the principles of "promoting reconciliation" and "upholding the rule of law".

The Northern Ireland Executive will ensure that victims and survivors of the region's turbulent era of Troubles have access to high quality services, respecting the principles of choice and need.

The deal also includes proposed legislation to establish a new independent body to investigate unresolved Troubles-related deaths.

Cameron said the "historic agreement has been long in the making".

"We will now all work collaboratively to see this through. The people of Northern Ireland deserve nothing less," he said.

Xinhua - AFP

(China Daily 12/25/2014 page11)