    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [November 28, 1995]
    [Pages 1791-1792]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks on the Northern Ireland Peace Process
    November 28, 1995

        I have just come from a meeting with the congressional leadership,
    where we discussed the importance of continuing America's leadership in
    the search for peace in Bosnia. I emphasized to them this afternoon, as
    I did to the American people last evening, that our mission will be
    clear, limited, and achievable and that the risks to our troops will be
    minimized. Bosnia is a case where our leadership can make the difference
    between peace and war. And America must choose peace.
        Now I am departing for Europe, where British Prime Minister Major
    and Irish Prime Minister Bruton have just announced the launching of a
    promising new twin-track initiative to advance the peace process in
    Northern Ireland. I want to salute both these leaders for their vision,
    their courage, and for their leadership for peace.
        The twin-track initiative will establish an international body to
    address the issue of arms decommissioning, while at the same time
    organizing preliminary political talks in which all par-

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    ties, all parties, will be invited to participate. I am pleased that
    former Senator George Mitchell will chair the international body. The
    goal is to bring all the parties together for political talks on the
    future of Northern Ireland. This is an opportunity to begin a dialog in
    which all views are presented and all are heard.
        In just a few days, I will become the first American President ever
    to visit Northern Ireland. Last year's cease-fire and the process of
    negotiations has sparked a remarkable transformation in that land. For
    the first time in 25 years, children can walk to school without fear.
    Bomb-shattered shopfronts have both been replaced by new businesses.
    People can visit their relatives and friends without the burdens of
    checkpoints or barricades. Crossing the border between north and south
    is as simple as going over a speed bump.
        The twin-track initiative builds on those achievements. It brings
    the people of Northern Ireland one step closer to the day when the only
    barriers their children will face are the limits of their dreams.
        Today's announcement also brings hope and strength to all those who
    struggle for peace around the world. It demonstrates that the will for
    peace is more powerful than bombs and bullets. And it reminds us once
    again that, with courage and resolve, bitter legacies of conflict can be
    overcome.
        The United States is proud to support the peacemakers in Northern
    Ireland, in the Middle East, in Bosnia, and throughout the world. Those
    who stand up for peace will have the United States standing with them.
        Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:26 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White
    House, prior to his departure for the United Kingdom. In his remarks, he
    referred to Prime Minister John Major of the United Kingdom and Prime
    Minister John Bruton of Ireland.