    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book I)]
    [February 22, 1995]
    [Pages 242-243]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Peace Process in Northern Ireland
    February 22, 1995

        I welcome today's announcement by Irish Prime Minister Bruton and
    British Prime Minister Major of the launching of a joint framework
    document outlining their shared proposals for inclusive talks on the
    future of Northern Ireland. The publication of this document marks
    another significant step forward in the peace process. I congratulate
    both Prime Ministers, former Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds, Irish
    Foreign Minister Dick Spring, and British Secretary of State for
    Northern Ireland Sir Patrick Mayhew, all of whom have worked hard and
    risked much in the search for a new path forward to reconciliation and
    lasting peace.
        The framework document lays the foundation for all-party talks among
    the British and Irish Governments and the political parties in Northern
    Ireland. The talks are intended to be all-inclusive, with all issues on
    the table. As the Irish and British Governments have emphasized, the
    document is designed to assist discussion and negotiation on Northern
    Ireland and will not be imposed on any party. The clear wish of the
    people of Northern Ireland is for a lasting peace. We call upon all the
    parties to examine the document carefully and move forward on the basis
    of it.
        The guns and bombs have been silent in Northern Ireland for almost 6
    months. The benefits of peace are obvious to all, and I urge the parties
    to seize this opportunity. I will continue to strongly support the peace
    process in Northern Ireland and to work with the Governments of Ireland
    and the United Kingdom to

    [[Page 243]]

    build on today's courageous step forward toward lasting peace. In
    addition, I look forward to our Trade and Investment Conference to be
    held this May as a way to underscore the tangible benefits to peace.