    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [March 5, 1997]
    [Pages 239-240]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Recess of Belfast Talks
    March 5, 1997

        As the Belfast talks on the future of Northern Ireland recess today
    for the British and local election campaigns, I want to emphasize the
    strong support of the United States for these

    [[Page 240]]

    historic negotiations. They offer an unparalleled opportunity for the
    Northern Ireland political parties and the British and Irish Governments
    to achieve a just and lasting settlement to the conflict that has
    haunted the people of Northern Ireland for too long. Violence can have
    no place in this democratic process. For the talks to be inclusive, as
    they are intended to be, the IRA must declare and implement an
    unequivocal cease-fire.
        Under the skilled chairmanship of Senator George Mitchell and his
    colleagues, the talks have made useful progress. When the talks
    reconvene in June, it is important that they move quickly into
    substantive negotiations. I hope the participants will return to
    Stormont on June 3 determined to work creatively to make real progress.
    If they do, they will have my full support for the negotiations and
    their eventual outcome.

    Note: The statement referred to George J. Mitchell, Special Assistant to
    the President for Northern Ireland.