    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [June 3, 1997]
    [Page 698]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Process
    June 3, 1997

        Today in Belfast, Senator George Mitchell reconvened the talks on
    the future of Northern Ireland that began almost a year ago. I call on
    the political leaders to seize this precious opportunity and begin the
    hard but worthwhile work of negotiating a just and lasting settlement.
    To engage in serious negotiations, to be willing to make principled
    compromises, requires courage and creativity. Now is the time for the
    representatives of the people to show the good sense and good will that
    I saw in such abundance when I visited Northern Ireland. The United
    States will continue to stand with them as they take on, with the two
    Governments, the demanding task of shaping a peaceful and prosperous
    future in which all the people of Northern Ireland will have an equal
    stake.
        As I have said so many times, ideally all the elected parties should
    be at the table when the decisions that shape the future are made. If
    the IRA declares and implements an unequivocal cease-fire, I am
    confident that Sinn Fein will be invited to add its voice to the other
    parties' at the table as they forge a new future for themselves and
    their children.