The US Senate is preparing to unveil a resolution outlining support for the Belfast Agreement, the latest indication of bipartisan backing on Capitol Hill for the Northern Ireland peace process. The resolution, a draft of which has been seen by The Irish Times, expresses support “for the full implementation” of the agreement and subsequent efforts “to support peace on the island of Ireland”. It also states that any new or amended trade agreements between the US and UK should take into account that the conditions of the Belfast Agreement are met. Protocol contentionThere is also mention of the Northern Ireland protocol – currently the subject of fierce contention between London and Brussels, following Britain’s move to unilaterally delay the introduction of customs checks between the North and Britain. Under the protocol, checks should commence in April on some goods moving from Britain to Northern Ireland.

Source: The Irish Times March 11, 2021 23:05 UTC