[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

[[Page 2130]]

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.