    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [December 15, 1993]
    [Page 2179]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Peace Process in Northern Ireland
    December 15, 1993

        I warmly welcome today's joint declaration of Prime Ministers Albert
    Reynolds and John Major proposing a framework for peaceful resolution of
    the situation in Northern Ireland. I have followed with intense interest
    the British and Irish Prime Ministers' courageous search for peace.
    Their flexibility has led London and Dublin, for the first time, to
    acknowledge the other's deepest aspirations. The joint declaration
    reflects the yearning for peace that is shared by all traditions in
    Ireland and creates an historic opportunity to end the tragic cycle of
    bloodshed.
        Difficult issues still remain to be resolved, including questions at
    the heart of national and cultural identity and majority and minority
    rights. But as Prime Minister Reynolds said, the framework recognizes
    that differences can be fully and satisfactorily addressed and solved
    through the political process on the basis of fundamental principles of
    agreement and consent. It reflects the belief of both Governments that
    the way forward lies through dialog and cooperation, without
    compromising the beliefs of either tradition. I am especially heartened
    that, in the words of Prime Minister Major, the framework ``closes no
    doors, except the door to violence.'' We hope that all parties will be
    inspired by the vision Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Major have shown.
        I reaffirm the readiness of the United States to contribute in any
    appropriate way to the new opportunities which lie ahead in Northern
    Ireland. Our support for renewed political dialog remains steadfast.
        In this season of hope, the call for peace on Earth has a special
    resonance in Northern Ireland. No side which claims a legitimate stake
    in the future of Northern Ireland can justify continued violence on any
    grounds. I call on those who would still seek to embrace or justify
    violence to heed the words of Paul and ``cast off the works of darkness,
    and . . . put on the armor of light.''