Canada does many wonderful things. Its reputation internationally as a peacekeeper was gained during the Suez Crisis in the 1950s when diplomat Lester B. Pearson successfully acted as mediator to end the invasion of Egypt by British and French forces, and to restore peace. Pearson won the Nobel Peace Prize, and later became Prime Minister of Canada.

Since then Canada has contributed to many peacekeeping operations undertaken under the aegis of the United Nations Organization.

More recently, the efforts of Canadians in bringing about a resolution of the Troubles in Ireland, more particularly in that part of the country still under British domination, were recognized by Gerry Adams, speaking to the Canadian media prior to the Friends of Sinn Fein annual dinner in Toronto.

"The last year has seen huge moves-unprecedented historical moves-to end the armed campaign," he said.

I think in the upcoming short term we will see strenuous efforts made to get the political institutions back in place, to get the Good Friday Agreement rolled out and, from there, to build stability and harmony."

That 1998 peace accord officially ended the IRA's campaign to overthrow British rule in Northern Ireland by force. Among the conditions was a stipulation that the IRA fully disarm.

Chief disarmament commissioner, retired Canadian General John de Chastelain, declared on September 26 2005 that the IRA had co-operated with international inspectors and had disposed of its cache of weapons.

Adams said that no fewer than half a dozen respected Canadians were to be commended for playing a supportive role in the peace process. "I commend them and the support of the government here," he added.

He listed the names of Canadian judge William Hoyt, who was among a panel of judges sitting on the Bloody Sunday inquiry, former Canadian Supreme Court judge Peter Cory, who called for an investigation into four specific killings, and Al Hutchinson, a former RCMP assistant commissioner looking into Northern Ireland policing reforms.

Adams said the three major challenges now facing Sinn Fein are finalizing the peace process, getting the Irish and British governments to stick to their Good Friday commitments, and building long-term harmony between people.

Rev. Ian Paisley, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party in the Six Counties, continues to refuse to meet with Adams, and Bertie Ahern, the Twenty-Six County Taoiseach, refuses to participate with Sinn Fein in any future Dublin government. Despite these refusals, Adams foresees the reunification of Ireland being achieved thanks to the vigorous work of his party.

Meanwhile he acknowledges the thanks that are due to Canada and Canadians.

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