In 1998, a historic peace process culminated in an accord officially known as both the Good Friday Agreement and the Belfast Agreement. Which of the following statements correctly identifies the primary nature of this agreement and the key sovereign parties that signed the international treaty component?
- It was an international treaty between the United Kingdom and Irish governments, supported by a multi-party agreement in Northern Ireland, to establish a devolved government and a path to peace.Answer
- BIt was a 1995 peace mandate issued by the United Nations and signed by the UK government to enforce a permanent ceasefire between paramilitaries and the British Army.
- CIt was a 1998 constitutional act passed solely by the UK Parliament to grant Northern Ireland the same level of independence from the Crown as Scotland and Wales achieved during the devolution process.
- DIt was a 1988 trade and security agreement signed by the UK and Irish governments that resulted in the immediate removal of all border controls and the unification of Ireland.
Answer
The correct answer is that the 1998 accord was an international treaty between the UK and Irish governments, supported by local political parties, aimed at establishing peace and devolved government.
The 1998 Good Friday Agreement (also called the Belfast Agreement) was a unique dual-structured accord. It consisted of a multi-party agreement between most of Northern Ireland's political parties and an international treaty between the British and Irish governments. Its main goals were to end 'The Troubles' and establish a devolved, power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
The Good Friday Agreement (1998)
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