[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 23, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10876-S10877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       THE IRELAND PEACE PROCESS

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, early this afternoon, my friend and 
colleague, Senator Dodd, addressed the Senate about a very significant 
development that occurred today in the Northern Ireland peace process. 
I join him and so many others in the Senate, in the House of 
Representatives, and across the country in welcoming these 
developments. They are especially welcome at a time when we are still 
experiencing the dark emotions and feelings from the September 11 
terrorist attacks that killed thousands. We have been further disturbed 
in recent days by the anthrax attacks that have taken the lives of 
dedicated public servants in this community.
  In the midst of these tragic events, I welcome this opportunity to 
bring to the attention of my colleagues an historic breakthrough in the 
Northern Ireland peace process that occurred earlier today. This 
afternoon the IRA issued a statement indicating that it had begun the 
process of decommissioning its weapons. General de Chastelain, who 
chairs the international group responsible for overseeing the process, 
has confirmed that the decommissioning of some weapons has has 
occurred. These actions are unprecedented in scope and are a watershed 
in the peace process that began a decade ago.
  In 1994, after 30 years of violence, the IRA announced a historic 
cease-fire. That cease-fire led to the discussions, ably led by Senator 
Mitchell and strongly supported by President Clinton, which culminated 
in the 1988 Good Friday Peace Agreement. As a part of that visionary 
Agreement, commitments were made by the British and Irish governments 
and the political leaders on all sides of Northern Ireland to advance 
the peace process. Each party to the Agreement made important 
sacrifices to advance the common good and the process of peace.

  The Agreement provided for a power-sharing local government and 
cross-border institutions. It called for dramatic reform of the police 
service in Northern Ireland to ensure that it would be representative 
of both communities. It called for equal treatment and equal 
opportunity for all in Northern Ireland. It called for a reduction in 
the presence of British troops and on all paramilitary organizations to 
decommission their weapons.
  This bold and historic action by the IRA to decommission its weapons 
will

[[Page S10877]]

liberate the peace process, advance the cause of peace, and enable the 
issue of IRA decommissioning to take its rightful place as one of many 
reforms essential to the full implementation of the Good Friday Peace 
Agreement and the achievement of lasting peace for Northern Ireland.
  Now the Irish and British governments and the political leaders of 
Northern Ireland must commit to implement all aspects of the Agreement 
fairly and fully, especially the critical provisions on reductions of 
the presence of British troops, reform of the police service, and equal 
treatment and equal opportunity for all of the people of Northern 
Ireland. Through this action, the IRA has enhanced the prospect for 
peace.
  Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams' public call for the IRA to 
decommission its weapons was strong and bold, and I commend him for his 
leadership on this difficult issue at this critical time. This 
extraordinary breakthrough could never have happened without the 
skillful and constant leadership of Prime Minister Blair of Great 
Britain and Prime Minister Ahern of Ireland. I also commend President 
Bush and his envoy to Northern Ireland, Ambassador Richard Haass, for 
their skillful assistance in helping to break this extremely serious 
impasse.
  I commend as well the leaders in Ireland, and Great Britain, and the 
U.S. who, over the years, have contributed so much to the beginnings 
and continuation of this all important peace process. They all deserve 
great credit for their vision and leadership in the cause of peace.
  I am mindful of the extraordinary role of John Hume, who shared the 
Nobel Peace Prize with David Trimble. I can remember many years ago 
meeting John Hume, who at that time was a local political leader and 
who had exhibited extraordinary political courage.
  His life has been one of commitment and dedication to peace. He 
played an instrumental role in securing the cease-fire. His voice for 
tolerance and understanding and his call for respect for the two great 
traditions in the north--the Protestant and Catholic faiths--have been 
eloquent.
  He has recently retired as political leader for his party, the SDLP 
in Northern Ireland. His contribution to a political resolution of the 
conflict in Northern Ireland will be forever emblazoned in history.
  All who share the goal of peace should welcome the action that has 
been taken today.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CONRAD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Nelson of Nebraska). Without objection, it 
is so ordered.
  The Senator from North Dakota.

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