[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
[January 24, 1996]
[Page 96]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Process
January 24, 1996

    I welcome the report released today by the international body on 
decommissioning that was set up by the British and Irish Governments as 
one track of the twin-track approach for moving the Northern Ireland 
peace process forward. I am proud that the international body was 
chaired by a distinguished American, Senator George Mitchell. Senator 
Mitchell and his colleagues, General de Chastelain of Canada and Mr. 
Holkeri of Finland, have made a significant and positive contribution to 
the peace process, and I join the British and Irish Governments in 
expressing gratitude for their service.
    The international body's report is based on the submissions it 
received from relevant and interested parties in the United Kingdom and 
Ireland. Together with the political track, I believe it will be a 
valuable tool for the Irish and British Governments as they work to 
reach the goal of all-party talks.
    I encourage all the parties to use the report of the international 
body to advance the peace process. Its recommendations do not reflect 
the views of any one party, but the considered judgment of its members, 
who want only to help the people of Northern Ireland achieve a just and 
lasting peace. Their recommendations deserve serious and open-minded 
consideration by all who share that goal.
    The United States stands by its commitment to support the efforts of 
the British and Irish Governments, the political parties, and the people 
of Northern Ireland to create a bright and peaceful future for 
themselves and their children.