    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1998, Book I)]
    [May 17, 1998]
    [Pages 783-784]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Birmingham Group of Eight Summit Statement
    May 17, 1998

    Northern Ireland

        We warmly welcome the Belfast Agreement reached on 10 April. We
    commend all those involved in achieving an outcome which reflects the
    fundamental aspirations of both parts of the community in Northern
    Ireland and secures their rights. We recognise that the Agreement must
    win the support of the people in Northern Ireland and the Republic of
    Ireland. While acknowledging that it presents challenges to all parties,
    we hope it will achieve the widest possible support, not only as a basis
    for political stability and peace but also as an opportunity for
    economic development and prosperity for all Northern Ireland's people.
    We pledge our countries' support for this process.

    Indonesia

        We are deeply concerned at the situation in Indonesia, especially
    the recent upsurge of violence and the loss of life. We deplore the
    killings and urge the authorities to show maximum restraint, to refrain
    from the use of lethal force and to respect individual rights. We call
    on the public to express their views peacefully. It is essential to
    avoid an escalation of violence.
        We recognise the hardship the economic crisis has caused. We believe
    the economic reform programme agreed with and supported by the
    international financial institutions is the only way to restore
    confidence and growth, and fully support the government in implementing
    it. But successful economic reform and international support for it will
    require sufficient political and social stability. We will continue to
    work, together with the international financial institutions, to support
    reform and alleviate hardship.
        The current social unrest indicates that, to resolve the crisis,
    political as well as economic reform is necessary. The need for
    political reform is widely acknowledged in Indonesia. We encourage the
    authorities to respond rapidly, by opening a dialogue which addresses
    the aspirations of the Indonesian people and by introducing the
    necessary reforms.

    FRY/Kosovo

        The continuing violence in Kosovo has revived fears of a new Balkans
    war. The region has already seen too much bloodshed. A political
    solution to the problem of Kosovo is vital for the peace and well-being
    of all the people of the region. We consider the meeting on 15 May
    between President Milosevic and Dr
    Rugova to be a positive first step. It is
    particularly important that President Milosevic has assumed personal
    responsibility in the search for a resolution of the problems of Kosovo,
    including its future status. We urge both sides to ensure that the
    dialogue now begun leads rapidly to the adoption of concrete measures to
    lower tensions and stop violence. Resolving the issue of Kosovo's status
    will be difficult but is essential for the good of all those living in
    the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
        Peace and stability in Europe rest on the principles that borders
    are inviolable and that political change must come about through
    peaceful means. We reject terrorism and violence from any side to
    achieve political goals or to stifle dissent. The states of the region
    should themselves contribute to a non-violent solution to the crisis.
    All states should cooperate in addressing the problem of refugees and
    displaced persons.
        We underline the importance of cooperation with the Gonzalez
    mission. We stand ready to promote a clear and achievable path towards
    the FRY's full integration into the international community. But if
    Belgrade fails to build on recent progress and a genuine political
    process does not get underway, its isolation will deepen.
        The elections in Montenegro on 31 May must be free, fair and in
    keeping with democratic

    [[Page 784]]

    standards and their results must be respected by all.

    Bosnia and Herzegovina

        We welcome the progress that has recently been made on peace
    implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and support the High
    Representative's active role in promoting the peace process. This is a
    critical year for consolidating peace in Bosnia, especially for refugee
    returns and democratic development, with nationwide elections scheduled
    for September. While the people of Bosnia have accomplished a great deal
    under very difficult circumstances, we look to Bosnia's leaders to work
    harder to create a stable and prosperous future for all the country's
    citizens.

    Middle East Peace Process

        We are deeply concerned at the continuing stalemate in the peace
    process, with concluded agreements not yet being implemented. We
    encourage all efforts to help revive the peace process. We strongly
    support the efforts to gain the agreement of the parties to a package of
    constructive and realistic ideas which have already been presented by
    the United States, including a second Israeli redeployment. We welcome
    Palestinian agreement in principle to these ideas which, if accepted by
    all sides, would lead to the resumption of final status talks. We call
    on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to refrain from unilateral acts which
    pre-determine the final status negotiations and undermine confidence. We
    remain determined to work with all the parties--Israel, the
    Palestinians, Syria, Lebanon--for a comprehensive peace. A resumption of
    Israeli-Palestinian negotiations would build confidence in the region
    and help to restore momentum to the peace process as a whole. A
    continuing blockage on the other hand could have grave consequences for
    security throughout the region.

    Indian Nuclear Tests

        We condemn the nuclear tests which were carried out by India on 11
    and 13 May. Such action runs counter to the will expressed by 149
    signatories to the CTBT to cease nuclear testing, to efforts to
    strengthen the global non-proliferation regime and to steps to enhance
    regional and international peace and security. It has been met by
    immediate international concern and opposition, from governments and
    more widely. We underline our full commitment to the Non-Proliferation
    Treaty and to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty as the cornerstones of
    the global non-proliferation regime and the essential foundations for
    the pursuit of nuclear disarmament. We express our grave concern about
    the increased risk of nuclear and missile proliferation in South Asia
    and elsewhere. We urge India and other states in the region to refrain
    from further tests and the deployment of nuclear weapons or ballistic
    missiles. We call upon India to rejoin the mainstream of international
    opinion, to adhere unconditionally to the NPT and the CTBT and to enter
    into negotiations on a global treaty to stop the production of fissile
    material for nuclear weapons. India's relationship with each of us has
    been affected by these developments. We are making this clear in our own
    direct exchanges and dealings with the Indian Government and we call
    upon other states similarly to address their concerns to India. We call
    upon and encourage Pakistan to exercise maximum restraint in the face of
    these tests and to adhere to international non-proliferation norms.

    Note: This statement was made available by the Office of the Press
    Secretary on May 17 but was not issued as a White House press release.
    An original was not available for verification of the content of this
    statement.