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Conclusion
54. Both Governments agree that the issues set out in this Framework
Document should be examined in the most comprehensive attainable
negotiations with democratically mandated political parties in
Northern Ireland which abide exclusively by peaceful means and wish
to join in dialogue on the way ahead.
55. Both Governments intend that the outcome of these negotiations will
be submitted for democratic ratification through referendums, North
and South.
56. Both Governments believe that the present climate of peace, which
owes much to the imagination, courage and steadfastness of all
those who have suffered from violence, offers the best prospect for
the Governments and the parties in Northern Ireland to work to
secure agreement and consent to a new political accommodation. To
accomplish that would be an inestimable prize for all, and
especially for people living in Northern Ireland, who have so much
to gain from such an accommodation, in which the divisions of the
past are laid aside for ever and differences are resolved by
exclusively political means. Both Governments believe that a new
political dispensation, such as they set out in this Framework
Document, achieved through agreement and reconciliation and founded
on the principle of consent, would achieve that objective and
transform relationships in Northern Ireland, in the island of
Ireland and between both islands.
57. With agreement, co-operation to the mutual benefit of all living in
Ireland could develop without impediment, attaining its full
potential for stimulating economic growth and prosperity. New
arrangements could return power, authority and responsibility to
locally-elected representatives in Northern Ireland on a basis
acceptable to both sides of the community, enabling them to work
together for the common welfare and interests of all the community.
The diversity of identities and allegiances could be regarded by
all as a source of mutual enrichment, rather than a threat to
either side. The divisive issue of sovereignty might cease to be
symbolic of the domination of one community over another. It would
instead be for decision under agreed ground-rules, fair and
balanced towards both aspirations, through a process of democratic
persuasion governed by the principle of consent rather than by
threat, fear or coercion. In such circumstances the Governments
hope that the relationship between the traditions in Northern
Ireland could become a positive bond of further understanding,
co-operation and amity, rather than a source of contention, between
the wider British and Irish democracies.
58. Accordingly the British and Irish Governments offer for
consideration and strongly commend these proposals, trusting that,
with generosity and goodwill, the peoples of these islands will
build on them a new and lasting agreement.