08/09/2017 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 8 September, a press release from the Irish government hailed the principles set out by the European Commission on the Irish question in the Brexit negotiations (see EUROPE 11857). The paper published by the Commission clearly reflects continuing close engagement between Ireland and the EU Article 50 task force, and builds on the European Council guidelines in which Ireland's concerns and priorities are strongly recognised, the press release states. "Our priorities remain protecting the Good Friday Agreement and the peace process, including by avoiding a hard border, and maintaining the Common Travel Area", the press release continues. The Irish government states that it welcomed last month’s UK position paper on Northern Ireland and Ireland, but also stated that the UK’s aspirations need to be backed by substantive commitments and workable solutions. (SP)