Belfast Agreement: End of Conflict in Northern Ireland

Good Friday Agreement Brings Peace to Troubled Region

Key Points:

• The Good Friday Agreement (GFA), also known as the Belfast Agreement, was a political accord signed on April 10, 1998.
• It marked the end of 30 years of violent conflict in Northern Ireland, known as "the Troubles."
• The agreement was the result of intense negotiations between the UK government, the Irish government, and Northern Irish political parties.
• It was ratified in both Ireland and Northern Ireland by popular vote on May 22, 1998.

The Good Friday Agreement has been hailed as a major breakthrough in the search for peace in Northern Ireland. It established a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, which included both unionist and nationalist parties.

The agreement also included provisions for cross-border cooperation between Ireland and Northern Ireland, as well as for the release of political prisoners.

The Good Friday Agreement has been credited with bringing about a significant reduction in violence in Northern Ireland. However, the agreement has also been criticized by some for not going far enough in addressing the underlying causes of the conflict.