    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [May 7, 1998]
    [Pages 715-716]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 715]]

    Statement on New Initiatives in Support of Peace in Northern Ireland
    May 7, 1998

        Today, I met with 10 women and men representing the WAVE Center in
    Northern Ireland, a support group for those who have been touched by the
    political violence of the past three decades. Each of these
    extraordinary individuals, representing both traditions in Northern
    Ireland, has suffered--losing members of their families or being badly
    wounded themselves. I was inspired by their courage in rejecting
    violence and working for lasting peace in a land where people are not
    labeled by religion or national preference, inspired by their vision of
    a future marked by reconciliation and cooperation. And I will never
    forget their personal stories of sorrow and suffering, stories which are
    shared by many people of both communities in Northern Ireland. WAVE
    proves hatred can be overcome by hope, division can give way to unity,
    as victims of Northern Ireland's tragic past work together for brighter
    future.
        The Good Friday Agreement, forged by an extraordinary group of
    leaders representing the full range of Northern Ireland society and
    politics, offers the people of Northern Ireland the chance of a lifetime
    to secure a lasting peace. It is time for all the parties to say no--
    once and for all--to violence and yes to hope, to make a decisive break
    with the past and launch a brighter future. There is no better way to
    honor the sacrifice of the people with whom I met today--and so many
    more like them.
        America has stood by those who have stood for peace, and we will
    continue to do our part to help the people of Northern Ireland realize
    tangible benefits of peace--so the despair that accompanied violence can
    give way to faith in the future.
        Since 1993, this administration and the Congress have contributed
    $100 million to the International Fund for Ireland for Northern Ireland
    and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland. I am today
    announcing a series of actions to bolster the foundations of peace.
        First, I am committed to seeing that the new West Belfast Springvale
    Campus project is completed. I intend to work with Congress to make
    available up to $5 million to make this happen. As a first step, I am
    directing Jim Lyons, my Adviser for Economic
    Initiatives, who is also our observer on the Board of the International
    Fund for Ireland, to confirm that the IFI will approve those funds. Four
    years ago, at our initiative, we and our partners in the IFI provided
    the initial £5 million that seeded this project. Straddling
    the peace line that once divided Protestant from Catholic, the
    Springvale Campus will give students of both communities the chance to
    acquire the education to match their indomitable spirit--and in so
    doing, encourage cohesion, community pride, and economic growth.
        I am asking the United States Information Agency to support the
    Springvale Campus with its full range of educational programs, including
    Fulbright, international visitors, and citizen exchanges. USIA will also
    foster links between Springvale and one or more American universities to
    promote cooperation between their faculties and establish long-term
    ties.
        Second, the United States is committed to helping the communities in
    Northern Ireland build the new institutions created by the April 10
    accord. The new Assembly will give the people both a voice and a stake
    in their peace, but the challenges to create a functioning institution
    are great. My administration will work with Congress to make available
    $500,000 as soon as possible to fund programs to support this effort.
        Third, Secretary Daley will visit
    Northern Ireland in early June with a high-level U.S. business
    delegation to intensify what is already a substantial economic
    relationship. With peace holding firm, there are strong business
    opportunities we must pursue now to boost prosperity and the hope for
    the future that is crucial to the foundations of peace.
        Fourth, USIA is supporting the collaboration of the Philadelphia
    Jobs Initiative with Worktrain, a Northern Ireland welfare-to-work
    initiative. I will meet with representatives of the two organizations
    during the U.S.-EU Summit in London.
        Finally, I am pleased to announce a Vital Voices Conference to be
    held in Belfast in early fall, with cosponsorship from the United States
    and regional partners. This conference will

    [[Page 716]]

    showcase and support women's role in the economic and political life of
    their society. The women of Northern Ireland--wives, mothers, and
    daughters--have borne an enormous share of the trauma of the Troubles.
    Now, their participation will be essential to build a future of peace
    and reconciliation. I've asked the First Lady to travel to Belfast to
    take part in this important conference.
        We have seen around the world how Americans have rallied to help the
    lands of their ancestors. I hope the Irish-American community will
    continue to support the voices of peace in Northern Ireland. My
    administration will continue to do all we can to foster hope and healing
    in Northern Ireland and to help its people build a new age of peace for
    their families and future generations.