    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book II)]
    [December 1, 1994]
    [Pages 2129-2130]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Announcing the Appointment of George Mitchell as
    Special Adviser for Economic Initiatives in Ireland
    December 1, 1994

        Good morning. Ladies and gentlemen, today is the last day of this
    session of Congress. And therefore, it's the last day that all of us in
    America have the privilege of having George Mitchell as the Senate
    majority leader. I will personally miss him very much, his wise counsel,
    his support, his strong leadership for the American people.
        I know that his colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the
    American people will also miss his leadership and the thoughtfulness and
    the courage that have distinguished him throughout his long career. My
    regret about his retirement is tempered, at least in some measure, by
    the fact that as one chapter in his life of extraordinary public service
    closes, another is opening. Today Senator Mitchell has agreed to work on
    an issue of central importance to me and to our country as Special
    Adviser to the President and the Secretary of State for Economic
    Initiatives in Ireland.
        We stand on the verge of a new and peaceful era in Northern Ireland.
    For over 3 months, the historic cease-fires between the IRA and the
    loyalist parliamentary groups have held. I welcome today's invitation by
    Downing Street to Sinn Fein to begin an exploratory dialog by December
    7th. A just and lasting settlement that respects the rights and
    traditions of the two communities in Northern Ireland is, after so many
    years of bloodshed, finally within reach. But at this hopeful and
    historic moment, it's essential to create more economic opportunity in a
    region whose prospects have been so blighted by bloodshed. There must be
    a peace dividend in Ireland for the peace to succeed. Peace and
    prosperity depend upon one another.
        One of the most important ways that we here in the United States can
    ensure that peace takes root is to promote trade and investment in the
    areas of Ireland that have suffered the most from violence. That's why
    last month we announced our economic initiatives for Ireland. They're a
    response to the call of all the parties in the region for the
    development that will help them to lift themselves out of the cycle of
    conflict and despair. As we have in the past, the United States stands
    ready to help those who are taking risks for peace. To do that, we'll
    work in close cooperation with the private sector here in the United
    States and with Britain, Ireland, and other concerned parties in Europe
    and elsewhere.
        Ultimately, of course, the success of the peace process will depend
    most on those who have been most affected, on whether they believe it
    will give them a better future. That's why our initiatives to help
    revitalize the economy

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    are so important and why I wanted someone of great talent, great
    stature, and great wisdom to lead in that effort here in the United
    States. No one fills that bill like George Mitchell. He will oversee the
    White House Conference on Trade and Investment in Ireland which will be
    held in April of next year in Philadelphia. I've asked him to ensure
    implementation of all the initiatives we announced last month, to
    explore additional opportunities for helping peace and prosperity grow
    in Ireland. He'll consult with the International Fund for Ireland, with
    the Congress, and with others to strengthen the Fund's programs. He'll
    also begin a dialog with the European Union, its individual member
    nations, and other nations to promote economic development in all these
    areas.
        I believe in the weeks and months ahead, the people of Ireland will
    come to respect and admire George Mitchell just as much as all of us
    here in the United States have.
        George, I am delighted today to be able to say thank you, again, for
    public service, and not just farewell.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:27 a.m. in the Oval Office at the White
    House.