"We, the participants in the multi-party negotiations, believe that the agreement we have negotiated offers a truly historic opportunity for a new beginning. The tragedies of the past have left a deep and profoundly regrettable legacy of suffering. We must never forget those who have died or been injured, and their families. But we can best honour them through a fresh start, in which we firmly dedicate ourselves to the achievement of reconciliation, tolerance, and mutual trust, and to the protection and vindication of the human rights of all. We are committed to partnership, equality and mutual respect as the basis of relationships within Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between these islands."

The Belfast Agreement (Good Friday Agreement), signed 10 April 1998. Signed by the British and Irish governments and most Northern Irish political parties, including the Ulster Unionist Party and the SDLP. Sinn Fein signed; the Democratic Unionist Party refused.