BIRMINGHAM - British Prime Minister Tony Blair has gotten a pat on the back by the other G8 leaders for the Northern Ireland peace accord. The agreement reached April 10th must still be scrutinized in respective upcoming referendums.

But the G8 warmly endorsed the deal, saying "we hope it will achieve the widest possible support, not only as a basis for political stability and peace but also as an opportunity for economic development and prosperity for all Northern Ireland's people."