[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]

 
              IMPORTANCE OF THE DOWNING STREET DECLARATION

  (Mr. MEEHAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, the nations of the world have an opportunity 
to learn from the maturing peace process in Northern Ireland.
  This process teaches us that people from different parties and 
traditions are able to put aside past conflict and join together in 
peace.
  If we understand the importance of the Downing Street declaration 
then we will see that hope is the salve that heals the wounds of 
hatred.
  When we open our eyes to the lessons and history of the troubles we 
will see that a millennia of violence and struggle promises to end with 
unity and justice.
  If we take advantage of this opportunity, we will have learned that 
the fundamental right to self-determination may not be denied.
  As this long history of human rights abuses and vengeful brutality 
enters its final chapter we need to strengthen this promise of a 
peaceful future.
  It is not only for the Irish people, but for the 44 million American 
citizens who identify with their Irish heritage that we should do 
everything within our power to make their promise a reality.

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