CCBS calls for parties to commit to principles of reconciliation and cooperation ahead of elections

As we celebrate Easter, and as we approach the Northern Ireland Assembly elections, the Centre for Cross Border Studies calls on all parties to recommit to and put into action the following principles that have underpinned the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement: 

• The tragedies of the past have left a deep and profoundly regrettable legacy of suffering. We must never forget those who have died or been injured, and their families. The tragedies of the past have left a deep and profoundly regrettable legacy of suffering. We must never forget those who have died or been injured, and their families. 
• We are committed to partnership, equality and mutual respect as the basis of relationships within Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between these islands. 
• We reaffirm our total and absolute commitment to exclusively democratic and peaceful means of resolving differences on political issues, and our opposition to any use or threat of force by others for any political purpose, whether in regard to this agreement or otherwise. 
• We acknowledge the substantial differences between our continuing, and equally legitimate, political aspirations. However, we will endeavour to strive in every practical way towards reconciliation and rapprochement within the framework of democratic and agreed arrangements. 
• We pledge that we will, in good faith, work to ensure the success of each and every one of the arrangements to be established under this agreement.