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Volodymyr Zelenskyy – 2022 Speech to the New York Stock Exchange

The speech made by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, on 6 September 2022.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Thank you for your interest in Ukraine!

Today is the 195th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of our country. And today we are 195 times more confident in our independence than any time before this war.

And it may sound paradoxical, but it is a fact.

Ukraine does not for a single moment doubt itself, its future, its victory.

Despite the fact that the enemy is still on our land, despite the fact that we still have a long way to go to liberate our entire territory. We have no doubt that it will happen.

We already know the outcome of this war, and we are on our way to that outcome.

I think you also feel this confidence of ours now, I believe that, at least, otherwise you would not waste your time on Ukraine.

Today I want to talk to you about this feeling. About why any success story in Europe is now simply impossible without Ukraine – a story of both political and business success.

They are possible only with Ukraine and in Ukraine.

Let me provide some facts.

First, the fact that we preserve and will preserve our independence is a fundamental factor of security for the entire region, for the entire east and center of Europe. The resilience of Europe depends on our resilience, and we have it.

Just recall: when else was the European Union as united and capable of acting together as it is now, when else did we together with our partners – in particular with the United States of America, with President Biden – manage to unite Europe and the entire free world around the struggle for freedom, for our values, the values of freedom? We did an unprecedented thing. And this is not just a temporary thing, this is a fundamental factor.

The struggle for our independence is a struggle for the right to stability, the right to security for all of us, for all of Europe.

The second fact is that we are perfectly integrated with our region and will be fully integrated with the European Union. Ukraine has already obtained the status of a candidate for EU membership – this happened precisely during this war – and we will definitely obtain full membership.

And not only geographically, economically or politically are we integrated with other European nations, but also in terms of values. It is very important. Ukrainians appreciate freedom, education and work. Appreciate in the same way as any developed society.

Although our country is attributed to the group of developing countries, we already have all the foundations to become a developed country. It just takes time.

Speaking purely about the economy, we already have very profitable logistics and trade relations with the EU market – and these are duty-free conditions. We also have special conditions for access to the markets of Great Britain, Canada and Japan. We have traditional and very strong ties with the United States market.

Without our agricultural exports, it is impossible to imagine stability in the markets and in general in many countries, primarily in Asia and Africa, and this was proven by the Russian blockade of our ports – when our agricultural sector stopped, dozens of countries found themselves on the verge of starvation. Now we are re-establishing export links, including by virtue of new routes and partial restoration of traditional sea exports – millions of tons of Ukrainian food are already being exported again, again by sea.

The third fact is that we have an almost complete range of natural resources and minerals. From gas to uranium, from lithium to titanium, from coal to quartzite and much more. And we have not only resources, but also a strong culture and tradition of extraction, processing and production. We have qualified people. We have a developed transport sector and convenient logistics – with access to the European Union market.

By the way, one of the reasons why Russia started a war of aggression against Ukraine is their apprehension that we will become not just an industrial competitor for Russia, but a real substitute for it in many markets of many countries.

The fourth fact is that Ukraine can and, I am sure, will definitely become a green energy hub for Europe.

We are capable of replacing dirty Russian energy resources. Ukraine has a huge natural potential for establishing capacities in green energy and in the production of green hydrogen. This is a potential of at least tens, and realistically looking at things – hundreds of gigawatts of green electrical power.

Look at the situation in the European energy market – this market desperately needs a player like Ukraine. Of course, we have already started exporting electricity to the EU. It is a very important factor that it happened during the war. We export, but the scale of cooperation can be hundreds of times larger – imagine the profit for each participant in the energy business.

The fifth fact is that we have already started the implementation of the project of reconstruction of Ukraine after hostilities. At this stage, this is the Fast Recovery Plan, which allows us now to restore everything that is needed in the liberated territory urgently: social, educational infrastructure, heat supply, transport.

But the general project of Ukrainian reconstruction will be the largest economic project in Europe of our time. The largest for several generations. Its volume is already estimated at hundreds of billions of dollars. And with the necessary modernization of the Ukrainian infrastructure, taking into account security needs, it is more than a trillion dollars and in a fairly short term – less than ten years. No company will find such opportunities anywhere else in the world as in Ukraine. Your companies will not find anywhere else such opportunities as in Ukraine.

Our government delegation headed by First Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko is present in New York. Mrs. Svyrydenko and other members of the delegation will be able not only to answer your questions about opportunities in Ukraine, but also to present industries and projects for investment.

Infrastructure funds will find a large number of projects in the airports and in the construction of new roads and bridges. Real estate funds will receive a market with hundreds of millions of square meters of new housing, offices, logistics, and industrial real estate. Banks and financial institutions can enter the huge lending market for all these projects in Ukraine. Insurance companies will be able to offer new insurance products, taking into account the specifics of our region and our risks. Hotel operators will be able to reveal our great tourist and business potential – the whole world is interested in seeing Ukraine, feeling it and being here.

And I encourage you to plan your investment now. Without waiting for us to reach our victory.

Pay attention – today about 80 percent of our territory is free from the enemy. Our warriors, our people are constantly increasing this figure. Moving towards victory every day. But victory is not only a military way, it is also an economic way. Our business makes its contribution. Our business is functioning. And most of Ukraine is already willing to implement new business projects.

You all know very well that preparation for the implementation of any business project takes time. Time for team building, market analysis, site purchase, design, permitting procedures, etc. The preparation period is always a minimum budget, but a lot of time. Time that is spent while others could already start working. Therefore, start now – to be the first.

We have hundreds of thousands of qualified young engineers and IT specialists, and this Ukrainian industry is world-renowned. We have an extremely favorable tax regime for IT. Taking into account all economic and logistical factors, we are a uniquely advantageous location for the offices of technology companies.

Deploying production in Ukraine – from metal to pharmaceuticals, from mechanical engineering to agricultural products, you get advantages that you will not find in any other country next to the European Union market.

Perhaps some of the companies whose representatives are here now or companies related to you are still working on the Russian market – and not just selling, but producing there. The prospect for all businesses is that they will have to leave Russia in any case. And therefore, it is profitable to come to Ukraine. It is on Ukrainian land that the new center of economic growth in Europe will be.

You may ask me: how can you come to Ukraine now, as the war is still ongoing? I will answer you: any company that will have an opportunity to put the Made in Ukraine label on its product will automatically become a part of the story of Ukrainian bravery and victory, a globally known story, and at the same time – a part of our life, which we defend with all our strength – and with the help of the strongest world powers and leaders.

Glory to Ukraine!

12/09/2022
PRESS RELEASE : President held a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief [September 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 6 September 2022.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held another meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

The meeting was attended by: Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhny, Minister of Defense Oleksiy Reznikov, Minister of Internal Affairs Denys Monastyrskyi, Minister of Infrastructure Oleksandr Kubrakov, Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Serhiy Shaptala, Commander of the National Guard Yuriy Lebid, Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Oleksiy Danilov, Deputy Head of the Office of the President Roman Mashovets, Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, as well as commanders of operational areas.

During the meeting, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief was informed about the operational situation along the entire frontline. In particular, the defense forces succeeded in destroying missile depots, bases, headquarters and logistical routes of the Russian invaders. An active counter-battery fight is being conducted in certain areas to suppress the enemy’s forces.

According to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, today thanks to the heroic actions of the Ukrainian defenders, the death toll of the occupiers has reached more than 50 thousand people. By sending soldiers to the war in Ukraine, the Russian military-political leadership bears full responsibility for the extermination of Russian citizens.

12/09/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Kyrylo Tymoshenko discussed with the delegation of Latvia a plan for the fast recovery of infrastructure [September 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 6 September 2022.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Kyrylo Tymoshenko held a meeting with the delegation of the Republic of Latvia, during which he discussed the participation of this country in the implementation of the plan for the fast recovery of infrastructure in the regions of Ukraine affected by Russian aggression.

The event was attended by: Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Head of the Cooperation Development Policy Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia Madara Siliņa and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Latvia to Ukraine Ilgvars Kļava.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko informed the foreign guests about the functioning of the online platform, which contains detailed and up-to-date information about all objects in Ukraine that were destroyed or damaged as a result of the Russian invasion.

The Deputy Head of the Office of the President also presented the Fast Recovery Plan, which provides for the rapid restoration of damaged infrastructure in de-occupied cities and communities on the eve of the winter period. He emphasized that Ukrainians returning home should have a roof over their heads and all utilities. It is also necessary to ensure the functioning of schools and kindergartens.

In addition, the Deputy Head of the Office of the President spoke about the project to build residential complexes for people who lost their homes as a result of the Russian invasion.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko suggested that representatives of Latvia consider a proposal for the restoration of private houses in the Chernihiv region that were damaged during hostilities. He emphasized that the representatives of the Republic of Latvia will be able to familiarize themselves with the complete package of documentation regarding the plan for the fast recovery of the region on the online platform.

Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica noted that her country will continue to support Ukraine during the war, in particular by participating in the reconstruction. According to her, Latvia is interested in cooperation regarding the restoration of facilities in the Chernihiv region – relevant decisions are to be made at the government level.

The Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia also added that local communities should get help in restoring schools, hospitals and power grids on the eve of the winter as soon as possible.

12/09/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Andriy Yermak and Roberta Metsola urged to endorse the establishment of an international tribunal for the political leadership of Russia [September 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 September 2022.

Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak notes that today, during the war with Russia, Ukrainians are fighting for their own freedom, and they also seek justice, which envisages, in particular, punishing those who came with weapons and violence to take away this freedom. He said this while speaking online at the Russian War Crimes exhibition in Brussels.

“Without justice, without this punishment for the aggressor, the world will not be free. Fear will prevail in it. And this fear will make evil stronger. Therefore, the world needs justice,” Andriy Yermak emphasized.

The Head of the Office of the President told about the scale of Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Since February 24, Ukrainian law enforcement officers have already recorded more than 45,000 crimes related to Russia’s aggression, more than 31,000 of them are war crimes. And this is only the data that is already known.

According to him, there is still no final information on how many thousands of residents of the city of Mariupol died from Russian shells, bombs and missiles, how many died from lack of medicine and food due to the blockade, how many were tortured to death or simply executed. In addition, after the liberation of each new Ukrainian city or village, new tragedies may open up to the world.

Separately, Andriy Yermak drew attention to the evil caused by Russian war criminals to children. At the hands of the occupiers, 380 of our children died and more than 700 were injured. 284 educational institutions were completely destroyed by Russian shelling, and 2461 were damaged.

The Head of the President’s Office emphasized that all war crimes have specific perpetrators – those who gave and carried out criminal orders. But the main culprits are those who started this war. He is convinced that the fact of the largest armed aggression in Europe since 1945 must receive a fair assessment from the world, as it was during the Nuremberg and Tokyo Trials after the end of World War II.

Andriy Yermak is convinced that the responsibility for the Russian Federation must be twofold: at the level of the state and at the level of an individual citizen. It is also important to ensure the personal responsibility of the leadership of Russia for the most serious initial crime – the crime of aggression.

“It is often called the supreme international crime. This is a crime that accumulated evil of the whole,” he explained.

The Head of the President’s Office reminded that Ukraine initiated and has been working for almost six months on the establishment of a special international tribunal for all the top leaders of the Russian Federation for military aggression against our state.

“Proving the fact of the crime of aggression against Ukraine will be the basis for a sentence. This is either life imprisonment or significant terms of imprisonment. And the actual execution of the sentence will take place as soon as one of the defendants appears on the territory of the country that joined the treaty on the creation of a special international tribunal. There are three ways to do this: an international agreement between Ukraine and other states, an agreement with the UN or an agreement with the EU or the Council of Europe,” he said.

Andriy Yermak emphasized that at the same time, Ukraine actively cooperates with the International Criminal Court in The Hague, and the creation of a special international tribunal on the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine will only complement the work of this court.

For her part, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola said that the brutality of the war in Ukraine exceeds all possible limits.

“Ukrainians are suffering for the sake of freedom of the entire Europe. Therefore, Europe will help you to the last. And we, like you, demand that Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko be brought to justice. Because autocracy is not something we in Europe can return to. Therefore, we will do everything possible to stop it,” said the President of the European Parliament.

12/09/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Prices are rising in Ukraine just as in the world, but we also have people killed here – the First Lady in an interview with BBC [September 2022]

The press release issued by the President of Ukraine on 5 September 2022.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a war waged against peaceful people. This was said by First Lady Olena Zelenska in an interview with BBC, answering questions from the host of Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg program.

“This is not a war with an army, this is a war to intimidate, to use scorched land tactics and to enter empty cities and villages,” the First Lady said.

Answering the question about what she would say to the residents of Great Britain who really want to help Ukrainians, but are at the same time worried about whether they will be able to pay their bills against the backdrop of rising energy prices and whether they will be able to live on, Olena Zelenska noted: “I understand that the situation is very difficult. I would like to remind you that when prices rise in the world, this is exactly what happens in Ukraine, too. Everything is becoming more expensive here as well. But at the same time, we have people killed in our country. Daily”.

The President’s wife emphasized that she is trying to convey to the world information about the consequences of Russian aggression in Ukraine, speaking on all possible world media platforms, and thanked Great Britain and its government for consistent support of our country.

“When we are supported so sincerely and powerfully, we feel that we are not alone,” Olena Zelenska summed up.

12/09/2022
King Charles III – 2022 Statement Following Accession to the Throne

The statement made by King Charles III on 9 September 2022.

I speak to you today with feelings of profound sorrow. Throughout her life, Her Majesty The Queen – my beloved Mother – was an inspiration and example to me and to all my family, and we owe her the most heartfelt debt any family can owe to their mother; for her love, affection, guidance, understanding and example. Queen Elizabeth’s was a life well lived; a promise with destiny kept and she is mourned most deeply in her passing. That promise of lifelong service I renew to you all today.

Alongside the personal grief that all my family are feeling, we also share with so many of you in the United Kingdom, in all the countries where The Queen was Head of State, in the Commonwealth and across the world, a deep sense of gratitude for the more than seventy years in which my Mother, as Queen, served the people of so many nations. In 1947, on her twenty-first birthday, she pledged in a broadcast from Cape Town to the Commonwealth to devote her life, whether it be short or long, to the service of her peoples. That was more than a promise: it was a profound personal commitment which defined her whole life. She made sacrifices for duty. Her dedication and devotion as Sovereign never waivered, through times of change and progress, through times of joy and celebration, and through times of sadness and loss. In her life of service we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which make us great as Nations. The affection, admiration and respect she inspired became the hallmark of her reign. And, as every member of my family can testify, she combined these qualities with warmth, humour and an unerring ability always to see the best in people. I pay tribute to my Mother’s memory and I honour her life of service. I know that her death brings great sadness to so many of you and I share that sense of loss, beyond measure, with you all.

The role and the duties of Monarchy also remain, as does the Sovereign’s particular relationship and responsibility towards the Church of England – the Church in which my own faith is so deeply rooted. In that faith, and the values it inspires, I have been brought up to cherish a sense of duty to others, and to hold in the greatest respect the precious traditions, freedoms and responsibilities of our unique history and our system of parliamentary government. As The Queen herself did with such unswerving devotion, I too now solemnly pledge myself, throughout the remaining time God grants me, to uphold the Constitutional principles at the heart of our nation. And wherever you may live in the United Kingdom, or in the Realms and territories across the world, and whatever may be your background or beliefs, I shall endeavour to serve you with loyalty, respect and love, as I have throughout my life.

My life will of course change as I take up my new responsibilities. It will no longer be possible for me to give so much of my time and energies to the charities and issues for which I care so deeply. But I know this important work will go on in the trusted hands of others.

This is also a time of change for my family. I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla. In recognition of her own loyal public service since our marriage seventeen years ago, she becomes my Queen Consort. I know she will bring to the demands of her new role the steadfast devotion to duty on which I have come to rely so much. As my Heir, William now assumes the Scottish titles which have meant so much to me. He succeeds me as Duke of Cornwall and takes on the responsibilities for the Duchy of Cornwall which I have undertaken for more than five decades. Today, I am proud to create him Prince of Wales, Tywysog Cymru, the country whose title I have been so greatly privileged to bear during so much of my life and duty. With Catherine beside him, our new Prince and Princess of Wales will, I know, continue to inspire and lead our national conversations, helping to bring the marginal to the centre ground where vital help can be given. I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.

In a little over a week’s time we will come together as a nation, as a Commonwealth and indeed a global community, to lay my beloved mother to rest. In our sorrow, let us remember and draw strength from the light of her example. On behalf of all my family, I can only offer the most sincere and heartfelt thanks for your condolences and support. They mean more to me than I can ever possibly express. And to my darling Mama, as you begin your last great journey to join my dear late Papa, I want simply to say this: thank you. Thank you for your love and devotion to our family and to the family of nations you have served so diligently all these years. May “flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest”.

12/09/2022
PRESS RELEASE : PM call with Prime Minister Trudeau [September 2022]

The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 12 September 2022.

The Prime Minister spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Saturday 10 September 2022.

The leaders shared their shock and sadness at the loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. They agreed a profound sense of loss is being felt by people in the UK, Canada, the wider Commonwealth and across the world.

The Prime Minister noted the closeness of the UK-Canada relationship, as fellow members of the Commonwealth, G7 and NATO. The leaders agreed to build on this partnership as we apply our shared values to the challenges we face, including working to reduce our economic dependence on authoritarian states.

12/09/2022
PRESS RELEASE : Public Information activities in Royal Hillsborough and Belfast [September 2022]
The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 12 September 2022.
Their Majesties will arrive at Belfast City Airport where they will be met by the Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the Chief Executive of Belfast City Airport, before travelling to Hillsborough Castle for a number of engagements.

The King and Consort will arrive at Hillsborough Castle, where His Majesty will hold a private audience with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and will meet with representatives from political parties. Their Majesties will also receive a Message of Condolence from The Speaker of The Northern Ireland Assembly on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland.

The King and The Queen Consort will attend a reception at Hillsborough Castle, hosted by the Secretary of State, where they will have the opportunity to meet representatives drawn from a diverse range of Northern Ireland life.

Later in the afternoon, His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will travel to St Anne’s Cathedral to attend a Service of Reflection for the life of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II. Their Majesties will then undertake a walkabout at Writers’ Square before departure.

Public information regarding travel to Hillsborough Castle

The public is welcome to come to Royal Hillsborough ahead of the ceremony to line the route, members of the public should be in place by 1100. There is no parking for non-residents

Special transport is in place from the dedicated Park and Ride facility at the Eikon Centre, Halftown Road, Lisburn There will be no public access to the Castle during this period other than via this Park & Ride service.

Further information on the public transport services and shuttle bus times is available on Translink’s Website

On arrival at the Eikon Centre, members of the public will pass through a security search, before boarding coaches for Hillsborough Castle. You will be able to access toilets and refreshments at the Eikon Centre before travelling to Royal Hillsborough.

Large bags, such as backpacks and rucksacks will not be allowed onto the Park & Ride buses to Royal Hillsborough; you will be asked to return any large bags to your car and will have to undergo the queuing system again.

Please be aware that only floral tributes will be allowed to be laid in the dedicated area at Hillsborough Castle. On arrival at the Eikon Centre, all floral tributes will undergo a full security search, and any cellophane wrapping will be removed and disposed of at the Eikon Centre to avoid a fire risk. Notes will also be removed and preserved by the NIO at Eikon Centre for onward transmission to Buckingham Palace.

Other items (such as soft toys) are not allowed to be laid, and will also be removed and stored at the Eikon Centre. Soft toys will be donated by the NIO to local hospitals.

On arrival at Hillsborough Castle, the tributes should be handed to an events steward who will lay them in the dedicated area in the Forecourt of Hillsborough Castle.

Information regarding route between Hillsborough and Belfast St Anne’s

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will leave Hillsborough Castle at 1420, travelling along Main Street and Lisburn Street to attend the Service of Reflection at St Anne’s Cathedral, which will begin at 1500.

They will come into Belfast City Centre along Wellington Place, Donegall Square North, Chichester Street and Victoria Street.

The public is very welcome to line the route as His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort travel to the Cathedral. Donegall Street and Writers Square will be closed to the public.

Public Information regarding the Service of Reflection at St Anne’s

The service of reflection at St Anne’s Cathedral is by invitation only. A small number of individuals have been invited to observe the proceedings at St Anne’s Cathedral from Writers’ Square. Members of the public will not be admitted to Writers’ Square or to the service of reflection. Access to the service will be strictly by ticket only.

More information on wider activities in Belfast is available on Belfast City Council Website including public television screens at Belfast City Hall.

Q&A

Where is the Eikon Centre?

The Eikon Centre is close to the M1 and only 10 minutes from Royal Hillsborough.

Yellow signs will direct you to the Hillsborough Park & Ride. You will be directed as follows, if approaching from:

The South (A1): Stay on the A1 past Royal Hillsborough Village and turn left onto Harrys Road

The East (M1): Leave the M1 at junction 7 onto the Blaris Road

The West (M1): Leave the M1 at junction 9 onto the A3 and turn South on the Halftown Road

The North (A26): At the junction with the M1 and A3, turn East onto the the A3 and turn South on the Halftown Road

How do I get there by public transport?

A shuttle bus will run from Lisburn rail station to and from the Eikon Centre

Public buses will still run through Royal Hillsborough, but you will not be able to access the Castle other than via the Eikon Centre. You will be able to hand floral tributes to staff to lay on your behalf.

Why is there a security check?

As you are aware, Hillsborough Castle is a secure venue and for this reason it will be necessary for everyone coming on site to undergo a short security check before boarding the buses at the Eikon Centre as well as a further check before entering Hillsborough Castle.

All cellophane on floral tributes will be removed during this security check. No other tributes will be allowed at the Hillsborough Castle site, and guests are requested to refrain from bringing any other objects or tributes.

To facilitate a speedy security check, guests are requested not to bring large bags or holdalls. There will be no storage facility in the Eikon Centre for luggage.

I am attending the ceremonial events, do I need to travel via the Eikon Centre?

Yes. Guests for ceremonial events in Royal Hillsborough and Belfast also be asked to travel to the Eikon Centre.

Guests will be handled separately to members of the public seeking to lay floral tributes. You should have received information about travel from the Northern Ireland Office alongside notification of your attendance at the event(s).

I live in Hillsborough, do I need to travel to Eikon?

Local residents and business owners within Royal Hillsborough Village should receive a leaflet from Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council regarding the special arrangements in operation during the national period of mourning. If you have not received this, please contact the Community Assistance Centre on 028 9244 7999 for further information and support.

I just want to lay flowers, do I really need to go to Eikon?

Hillsborough Castle is only accessible to the general public (aside from local residents and business owners) during the national period of mourning via the Park & Ride facility at the Eikon Centre.

Flowers may be handed to staff outside Hillsborough Castle; any other material (such as wrappings and other tributes) will be removed and the flowers will be laid in the dedicated area.
12/09/2022
Michelle O’Neill – 2022 Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II

The tribute made by Michelle O’Neill, the Northern Ireland First Minister Designate, on 8 September 2022.

It is with deep regret that I have learned of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II today.

The British people will miss the leadership she gave throughout her 70 years as monarch.

I would like to offer my sincere sympathies and condolences to her children, and her extended family circle as they come to terms with their grief.

I wish to especially acknowledge the profound sorrow of our neighbours from within the unionist community here who will feel her loss deeply.

Personally, I am grateful for Queen Elizabeth’s significant contribution and determined efforts to advancing peace and reconciliation between our two islands.

Throughout the peace process she led by example in building relationships with those of us who are Irish, and who share a different political allegiance and aspirations to herself and her Government.

Having met Queen Elizabeth on a number of occasions alongside my colleague, the late Martin McGuinness, I appreciated both her warmth and courtesy.

12/09/2022
Mary Lou McDonald – 2022 Tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II

The tribute made by Mary Lou McDonald, the President of Sinn Fein, on 8 September 2022.

I wish to extend deepest sympathy to the British Royal Family on the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Her passing marks the end of an era.

Relationships between our two countries for so long marked by conflict and suffering have been recast and reimagined through the Good Friday Agreement.

The Queen proved a powerful advocate and ally of those who believe in peace and reconciliation.

I salute her contribution to the huge change that has evolved in recent years.

Her death is a moment of heartbreak and pride for the British people. To them, and especially to Irish unionists, I extend on behalf of Sinn Féin and Irish Republicans sincere condolences.

12/09/2022