State Department Deputy Spokesman Philip Reeker issued a statement May 1 on British Prime Minister Tony Blair's decision to postpone the scheduled May elections aimed at forming a new power-sharing administration for Northern Ireland. Reeker also said the United States welcomed the publication of the "Joint Declaration by the British and Irish Governments" on Northern Ireland. Following is Reeker's statement: (begin text) U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman May 1, 2003 Statement by Philip T. Reeker, Deputy Spokesman NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE PROCESS We understand the factors that led Prime Minister Blair to make the difficult decision to postpone the scheduled May elections in Northern Ireland. Like the Prime Minister, we, too, are disappointed that elections will be delayed. Our goal remains that of seeing elections being held as soon as possible. In the meantime, we welcome the decisions of the British and Irish governments to publish the Joint Declaration and to implement elements of that document. We recognize the significance of recent public statements made by the leadership of Sinn Fein; nevertheless, we believe Sinn Fein must provide a clear and unequivocal commitment that all paramilitary activities will be terminated as stipulated by the Joint Declaration. We also call on the IRA to publish its statement and abide by its commitments, as well as abide by the terms of the Good Friday Agreement and the Joint Declaration, including the decommissioning of all of its arms on terms that will enhance confidence. At the same time, we call on unionists to commit themselves to the earliest possible restoration of devolved political institutions in Northern Ireland. For its part, the United States pledges its continued support to on-going diplomatic efforts of the British and Irish governments and the local parties that aim to bring peace, stability and prosperity to all of Northern Ireland.