SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA and his party’s deputy eader Nichola MLA, presented President Bill Clinton with a John Hume Medal to recognise and celebrate the key role he played in the peace process.Following the presentation, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA said:
“As we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Good Friday Agreement and remember the vision and principles of the 1998 Agreement, it was an honour to present President Clinton with a John Hume medal to mark his invaluable contribution which helped to bring peace to this island.
“We discussed the need for a resolution to the current difficulties and how the Good Friday Agreement still provides the best answers and best protection during this time of uncertainty.
“That is precisely why I have advocated for a review and renewal of the Agreement which would seek to get our politics back on track.”
Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon MLA said:
“It was an honour to present the John Hume medal to President Clinton today.
“The fact that the people of Northern Ireland have been denied a Government for 14 months is a deeply sad backdrop to the 20th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement; a visionary and courageous Agreement offering so much hope.
“It is clear that 20 years on, the Agreement remains the only roadmap to reconciliation, to the restoration of devolution and the best protection against the damages of Brexit. But, this requires all of us to embrace the Good Friday Agreement in whole, not use it as a tactic.”
