[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
[June 15, 1996]
[Page 920]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Terrorist Attack in Manchester, United Kingdom
June 15, 1996

    I am deeply outraged by the bomb explosion today at a shopping 
center in Manchester, England, which injured scores of innocent people, 
some very seriously. I join Prime Minister Major and Prime Minister 
Bruton in utterly condemning this brutal and cowardly act of terrorism. 
Such viciousness deserves universal condemnation. I wish the British 
Government every success in finding and bringing to justice those 
responsible.
    On behalf of the American people, Hillary and I extend our deepest 
sympathies to the victims and their families. Our prayers are with them. 
We have known the shock and pain of terrorism in our country, the horror 
of the sudden shattering of daily life. The bombing today underscores 
the need for all of us to join together to fight terrorism and violence 
in all parts of the world.
    Last week, historic talks aimed at finding a lasting settlement to 
the conflict in Northern Ireland began in Belfast. The people of 
Northern Ireland voted to send their representatives to those talks, 
expressing their deep desire for peace and their commitment to 
democratic means of resolving their differences. The men of violence 
have once again tried to dash their hopes. I want the people who have so 
much at stake in those talks to know that the United States will stand 
with them in their continuing search for peace.