A delegation from Sinn Fein met Secretary of State John Kerry and senior State Department officials in Washington, D.C. on Monday morning.

The Sinn Fein delegation included party leader Gerry Adams, deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald, Sinn Fein U.S. representative Rita O’Hare, and party press officer Richard McAuley.

“The meeting with Secretary Kerry was very positive and constructive,” said Adams.

“The U.S. secretary of state has had a long involvement with the Irish peace process.  Next month marks the 15th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. This morning I raised with Secretary Kerry our concerns around outstanding issues arising from the Good Friday Agreement and subsequent agreements, including a bill of rights for the North; Acht na Gaeilge and a border poll.

“We also discussed a range of other matters including the need for an economic dividend and the continued imprisonment of Marian Price and Martin Corey.

“Our conversation also included the recent violence around the flags issue and the serious problems posed by sectarianism and segregation.

“At the end of the meeting we took the opportunity to discuss the Middle East. Secretary Kerry travels there this evening and President Obama goes tomorrow evening.”