[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 30 (Thursday, March 17, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[Congressional Record: March 17, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
{time} 1030
NORTHERN IRELAND
(Mrs. KENNELLY asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, on this St. Patrick's Day, we have an
historic opportunity to achieve peace in a long-troubled part of the
world--Northern Ireland. No one here labors under any illusions that
this road to peace is easy; it will take determination and discipline
by all involved. Yet at the very least, a dialog aimed at peace has
begun.
In this brief window of opportunity, the United States should urge
all involved parties to work toward a just, lasting, and peaceful
resolution. We can help by appointing a special envoy.
Yes, many in Ireland and Britain, including governmental leaders, are
wary of an affirmative United States role. Yet I believe it will take
help from outside of Britain and Ireland to assist the parties in
reaching a politically viable agreement. A special envoy need not be
charged to accomplish too much too fast; instead, the envoy could serve
to make clear the United States' willingness to be of assistance--just
as other U.S. officials have assisted in other parts of the world.
Great hopes were born last September when ancient adversaries agreed
to work toward Middle East peace; these hopes persist, despite the
recent terrible violence. As we have consistently supported the Middle
East peace process, so we can support the peace process in Northern
Ireland.
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