    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1997, Book I)]
    [May 16, 1997]
    [Page 610]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Process Initiative by Prime
    Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom
    May 16, 1997

        I welcome Prime Minister Blair's statement today on Northern Ireland
    as a balanced and constructive step toward restoring momentum to the
    peace process. His words offer hope and reassurance to the people of
    both of Northern Ireland's traditions.
        The Prime Minister has made clear that this British Government, like
    its predecessor, wants to see inclusive talks, but it will invite Sinn
    Fein to the negotiating table only on the basis of an unequivocal cease-
    fire. And he has taken the initiative in offering to meet with Sinn
    Fein, at the official level, to assess whether inclusive talks are
    possible on that basis. I urge Sinn Fein to take up this offer, and I
    pray it will bring about an end to the violence for good. Now is the
    time to open a new chapter in the history of this tragic conflict and
    achieve through dialog and negotiation the lasting settlement the people
    of Northern Ireland want and deserve.