[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 48 (Monday, April 27, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3658]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    NORTHERN IRELAND PEACE AGREEMENT

 Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. President, I was unable to vote on Senate 
Concurrent Resolution 90, which acknowledges the historic Northern 
Ireland Peace Agreement. Had I been present I would have voted in favor 
of the resolution. I request that the official record so indicate.
  Mr. President, Ireland has suffered thirty years of turmoil, a tragic 
set of circumstances which has taken a deep toll on the Irish people. 
This toll can be measured in the loss of thousands of lives, and the 
instability which arises from thirty years of constant fighting, and 
terror. Despite the best efforts of the governments of the Republic of 
Ireland and the United Kingdom over the years to find an equitable 
solution, these, until recently were to no avail.
  Mr. President, finally I would note that the symbolism of this accord 
being reached on Good Friday should not escape us. It has been said 
that Good Friday is the vortex to which all history is drawn, and out 
of which all history flows, forever transformed. Let us hope that this 
momentous accord will set Ireland on a course towards peace and 
prosperity from which there is no turning back.

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