[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 15, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S3962]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          FRIENDS OF IRELAND ST. PATRICK'S DAY STATEMENT--1995

  Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, over the last year, we have witnessed 
truly historic progress in Northern Ireland which gives great hope that 
lasting peace and reconciliation are at hand.
  The Friends of Ireland is a bipartisan group of Senators and 
Representatives opposed to violence in Northern Ireland and dedicated 
to maintaining a United States policy that promotes a just, lasting, 
and peaceful settlement of the conflict that has cost more than 3,100 
lives over the past quarter century.
  Since 1981, the Friends of Ireland have joined together in an annual 
St. Patrick's Day statement which focuses on the situation in Northern 
Ireland. I believe that all our colleagues will find this year's 
statement of particular interest, and I ask unanimous consent that it 
may be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the statement was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

      Statement by the Friends of Ireland, St. Patrick's Day, 1995

       On this St. Patrick's Day, all friends of Ireland rejoice 
     in the historic developments of 1994 and early 1995 that have 
     led to a cease-fire in Northern Ireland and that offer the 
     best hope for a negotiated and lasting peace since the 
     Troubles began more than a quarter century ago.
       We welcome the release last month by the British and Irish 
     Governments of the Framework Document, which provides a fair 
     and balanced basis for all-party talks in Northern Ireland--
     talks we hope will begin soon. The way forward can be found 
     only if all parties work together to find a peaceful solution 
     that will have the support of the people of Northern Ireland.
       We commend all those in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and 
     Britain, who deserve enduring credit for the achievements so 
     far--especially John Bruton, John Major, Dick Spring, Sir 
     Patrick Mayhew, John Hume, Gerry Adams, and Albert Reynolds.
       We also commend the constructive role which President 
     Clinton, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy Smith, and 
     U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain William Crowe have played in 
     advancing this process. The combined efforts of the Congress 
     and the Administration played a critical role in the process 
     which led to the IRA's historic cease-fire announcement in 
     August 1994 and the Loyalist cease-fire declaration which 
     followed in October. We commend both the IRA and Loyalist 
     paramilitaries for deciding to seek a peaceful settlement to 
     the conflict.
       We support the total demilitarization of Northern Ireland. 
     We urge the Republican and Loyalist paramilitaries to begin 
     turning in their weapons. We are encouraged by the 
     announcement by the British Government that it will begin to 
     withdraw troops from Northern Ireland and we are hopeful that 
     this process will continue.
       Both the British and Irish Governments responded to the 
     cease-fire announcements with significant steps to advance 
     the cause of peace. The British Government opened cross-
     border roads, lifted the broadcast ban and exclusion orders, 
     and removed British troops from daytime street patrols in 
     Northern Ireland. The Irish Government established the Forum 
     for Peace and Reconciliation, released prisoners, and lifted 
     emergency laws.
       Many Unionists and their leaders have shown a willingness 
     to consider new proposals with an open-mindedness crucial to 
     genuine progress. This development is welcomed. We are also 
     greatly encouraged by visits of Unionist leaders to this 
     country. The United States is a friend of both communities 
     and we hope Unionists will continue to visit. It is important 
     that their voices be heard.
       Recognizing that economic progress is also essential, the 
     Friends of Ireland support measures to encourage economic 
     development in Northern Ireland and the border counties of 
     Ireland damaged by the years of conflict. The cease-fire has 
     already led to new investment that will create needed jobs.
       We welcome President Clinton's support for additional 
     private economic development as demonstrated by the 
     appointment of George Mitchell as the President's economic 
     envoy. We look forward to the Conference on Investment and 
     Trade for Ireland to be held in Washington in May. The aim of 
     the conference, according to its mandate, is ``to show U.S. 
     companies that sustained peace is dramatically improving 
     business opportunities on the island of Ireland, and 
     particularly Northern Ireland and the border counties.'' We 
     are confident it will encourage new American investment and 
     enhance the prospects for peace.
       We support the International Fund for Ireland as an 
     important part of the search for peace. The Fund has helped 
     create more than 25,000 jobs in the most disadvantaged areas 
     of Northern Ireland and the border counties, and has had a 
     major beneficial impact on the people in these areas.
       We agree with the Committee on the Administration of 
     Justice, an independent human rights organization in Northern 
     Ireland, that ``respect for and defense of human rights must 
     be the cornerstone of any lasting settlement to the 
     conflict.'' Britain should follow Ireland's lead and repeal 
     emergency legislation with respect to Northern Ireland. There 
     should be a thorough review of policing in Northern Ireland, 
     with the goal of creating a police force that has the 
     confidence of both communities. A Bill of Rights should be 
     enacted to provide full protection for all people in Northern 
     Ireland. Employment discrimination must be ended. We welcome 
     advances in legislation involving fair employment; but twice 
     as many Catholics as Protestants continue to be unemployed, 
     and new economic initiatives are needed to address this 
     injustice.
       Finally, we are mindful that 1995 marks the 150th 
     anniversary of the beginning of the Great Irish Famine. 
     Though the Irish had already established a strong presence in 
     the early years of our nation, many of the 44 million Irish 
     Americans today are descendants of victims of the Famine. As 
     President Mary Robinson of Ireland has eloquently stated, 
     ``Irishness is not simply territorial * * * 
     emigration is not just a chronicle of sorrow and regret. It 
     is also a powerful story of contribution and
      adaptation.'' Irish-Americans have contributed immensely to 
     this country, while maintaining lasting ties of heritage, 
     history, and affection for the land of our ancestors.
       As Friends of Ireland on St. Patrick's Day 1995, we commit 
     ourselves to ever closer ties with the island of Ireland and 
     all its people. It is our hope and prayer that 1995 will 
     bring even greater progress toward lasting peace.


                 FRIENDS OF IRELAND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

                                 SENATE

       Edward M. Kennedy.
       Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
       Claiborne Pell.
       Christopher J. Dodd.


                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

       Newt Gingrich.
       Richard A. Gephardt.
       James T. Walsh.

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