BY A STAFF REPORTER: U.S. President Joe Biden said on Monday the new deal for Northern Ireland on post-Brexit trade rules between British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and the European Union is an "essential step" to maintain peace. "I commend the efforts of leaders and officials on all sides who have worked tirelessly to protect Northern Ireland's position within the UK's domestic market as well as the Eu's single market," Biden said in a statement. '