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<p>Throughout the negotiations, the UK Government has been unwavering in its commitment
to upholding the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement in all its parts. This is a commitment
we have upheld in full in the Northern Ireland Protocol.</p><p>As the Attorney-General
sets out in his legal commentary, the objectives of the Protocol, as set out at Article
1(3), are to address the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland, maintain North-South
cooperation, avoid a hard border on the island of Ireland, and protect the Belfast
Agreement in all its dimensions.</p><p>This includes the ongoing operation of the
institutions the Belfast Agreement establishes. For example, Article 13 requires the
Protocol to be implemented and applied so as to maintain the necessary conditions
for continued North-South cooperation. But the provision does not alter the remit
or functions of the North-South Ministerial Council or the North-South Implementation
bodies.</p><p> </p>
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