The European Parliament's largest grouping, the 213 member strong Socialists, has issued a strong endorsement of the Belfast Agreement and called on voters North and South to support it. It has also recommended a Yes vote in Ireland's Amsterdam Treaty referendum.
The party's group deputy leader, Mr Manuel Medina of Spain, said adoption of the agreement would herald an end to conflict in the North. "We are very pleased to give our commitment to the process and to back all supporting initiatives and programmes at European level. The peoples of Europe want to see lasting peace."
As a gesture of solidarity with the peace process, the party would be having a meeting of its party managers in Derry later this year when party representatives would also meet community groups and other politicians.
The SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, said he believed the group spoke for the whole of Europe in wishing the process well. He was deeply appreciative of the support, he said, and that of European Commission President, Mr Jacques Santer, indicated by continued backing of the Delors plan, which is to receive an additional one million ECUs next year.
He confirmed he and UUP MEP Mr Jim Nicholson are likely to meet Mr Santer later this week to brief him on the peace process.
Labour MEP Ms Bernie Malone said voters should back the treaty on the basis of its significant socialist elements. "It strengthens the EU's commitment to employment, anti-discrimination, equality, social policy and greater openness in the way decisions are made. These are fundamental objectives shared by Labour, the SDLP and our political allies across the European socialist family."