[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.