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<p>The Irish General Election results are of course a matter for the people of Ireland.
The UK and Ireland are the nearest of neighbours and we look forward to continuing
to work closely together with the future Government. Our commitment to Northern Ireland,
and the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement remains steadfast, including the principle
of consent and the East/West institutions set out in the Agreement which will support
our wider cooperation and bilateral engagement with Ireland.</p><p>It remains the
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland's view that a majority of the people of Northern
Ireland continue to support Northern Ireland's place in the United Kingdom. The circumstances
set out in the Belfast Agreement that require the Secretary of State to hold a referendum
on Irish unification are therefore not satisfied.</p>
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