    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [February 28, 1996]
    [Page 343]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Process
    February 28, 1996

        I welcome the announcement made today by British Prime Minister
    Major and Irish Prime Minister Bruton of a path to negotiations for a
    just and lasting settlement in Northern Ireland. I want to express my
    admiration for these two leaders, who have shown so much courage and
    determination in the cause of peace. The clear path they have laid out
    leads to inclusive talks on the future of Northern Ireland, once the
    cease-fire has been restored. I am convinced that this is the path
    supported by the overwhelming majority of the people of Northern
    Ireland, who have so resoundingly rejected violence and embraced peace.
    I call on those who have resorted to violence to heed the voice of the
    people and cease their campaign of terror.
        The process that Prime Ministers Bruton and Major have announced
    will begin with intensive consultations among the Governments and the
    parties to reach agreement on a broadly acceptable elective process,
    which will lead directly and without preconditions to all-party
    negotiations by June 10, 1996. The consultations, to begin early next
    month, will also address the framework for those negotiations and
    whether to hold a referendum on support for the peace process. I hope
    all the parties will commit themselves to participate fully in the
    process announced today in order to create the lasting peace the people
    of Northern Ireland deserve.
        The United States remains fully committed to supporting the search
    for peace in which the two Governments, the parties, and the people of
    Northern Ireland have invested so much. I will remain in close touch
    with Prime Ministers Major and Bruton, who know they have my full
    support in their pursuit of peace. We will continue to work with the
    parties in the same cause.