[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 26 (Friday, February 12, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT IN PERIL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. VITO FOSSELLA

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 11, 1999

  Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today as an American of Irish 
descent and as a Representative from Staten Island and Brooklyn, New 
York which is the home of many Irish Americans. I am very happy to see 
that the peace process in Ireland has progressed to the point we are at 
now--nearing the one year anniversary of the Good Friday agreement. It 
is a significant accomplishment that the violence has ended, that those 
who wish to further violence are not in power and are no longer winning 
their battle.
  Last fall, I had the opportunity to travel to Ireland and to see the 
wonderful country from which my descendants came. I was able to meet 
with leaders from both sides and to witness for myself what the toll 
that violence has taken on this beautiful country. Now is a time to 
work together, to rebuild, to look towards a future with a peaceful 
Ireland. We must ensure that peace in Northern Ireland becomes a long-
term, irreversible reality and the almost year old Good Friday 
agreement remains enforced.
  In closing, I would like to commend Congressman Walsh from New York 
on his leadership on this issue and to thank him for giving me the 
opportunity to speak today.

                          ____________________