[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 132 (Tuesday, September 20, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 20, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
 WELCOME TO JOHN HUME, LEADER OF THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC LABOR PARTY OF 
                                IRELAND

  (Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, a true man of peace, and one 
of the principal architects of the historic ceasefire in Northern 
Ireland arrived here in the United States earlier this week.
  John Hume, the courageous leader of the Social Democratic and Labor 
Party, brings with him an encouraging message of hope, justice and 
reconciliation. And because of his efforts, for the first time in 
years, people of both traditions in Northern Ireland believe that a 
permanent cessation of violence is finally at hand.
  In many ways, John Hume's visit represents a clear vindication for 
the 25 years he has spent trying to bring about a peaceful end to the 
longest standing political dispute in the history of the Western World. 
We are honored to have him in our Nation's Capital today.
  As the leader of the largest nationalist party in Northern Ireland, 
John Hume brought unquestioned creditability and integrity to a 
conflict that many felt would never be solved. He worked tirelessly 
with Catholics and Protestants, republicans and loyalists, to convince 
them that the gun and bomb no longer had a place in the future of 
Northern Ireland. And despite long odds and great personal sacrifice, 
he appears to have succeeded.
  Mr. Speaker, I have just returned from Northern Ireland where I met 
with leaders from both traditions who expressed their optimism over the 
John Hume brokered ceasefire. As he brings his message of peace here, 
let us welcome this distinguished man from Derry, and pledge to work 
with him to resolve the sectarian conflict known as the troubles.

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