    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1999, Book I)]
    [March 18, 1999]
    [Pages 402-403]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Joint Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Process by United States
    President Bill Clinton, the Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, and the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair
    March 18, 1999

        As we approach the first anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement,
    we can all take heart at how far we have come in a year.
        The Agreement has provided the basis for the two traditions to work
    together, both in Northern Ireland and on the island as a whole, for the
    first time in 200 years. Democratically endorsed by an emphatic majority
    of people in both the North and the South, it gives a unique opportunity
    for peace and reconciliation in which all the signatories can take
    pride. It has rightly been acknowledged as an example to the rest of the
    world of how dialogue can bring an end to conflict.
        Much progress has been made in implementing the Agreement. The basis
    for a new partnership government in Northern Ireland has been agreed.
    Elections have been held. Last week, the Irish and British Governments
    signed treaties providing for the establishment of

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    North/South implementation bodies, a North/South Ministerial council, a
    British-Irish Council and a British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference.
    With these treaties, arrangements have been finalized for institutions
    which will provide for a new level of cooperation and partnership. This
    will bring real, practical benefits to everyone concerned.
        Implementation of the provisions of the Agreement, ensuring that the
    future is based on full respect for equality and freedom from
    discrimination for all, is also well advanced. The review of the
    criminal justice system is well under way, as is the work of the
    commission examining the key area of policing.
        The balanced constitutional accommodation set out in the Agreement,
    based on consent, is ready to become operational. The solemn commitment
    that the future will be shaped by exclusively democratic and peaceful
    means, provides the framework within which the new institutions can work
    and enjoy the confidence of all sides.
        Large numbers of prisoners have been released on both sides of the
    border. That is an essential part of the Agreement, although one that
    has caused undoubted pain to those who have lost loved ones during the
    years of conflict. The ceasefires remain solid. General de Chastelain continues his vital work to achieve progress
    on decommissioning.
        There is much work still to be done to implement all aspects of the
    Agreement. But the substantial progress already achieved gives us hope
    for the future.
        Despite the progress, Omagh demonstrated that the peace has not been
    a perfect peace. The cruel and senseless murder of Rosemary
    Nelson is a further reminder. But the
    response to Omagh showed that, despite the pain, there is deep
    determination in both the North and the South that peace is the only
    path. We call for an end to all the killings and punishment beatings.
    Violence of the kind we have seen again this week must not be allowed to
    unsettle the peace process.
        The Agreement endorsed by the people last May must be implemented in
    all its aspects and the remaining difficulties must be resolved.
        We, as leaders, bear that responsibility and that means all of us,
    whether we live in Northern Ireland, the Republic, Britain, or the
    United States.
        This is what the people want and we must not fail them.
        A year ago, people said it was hopeless, that the sides were too far
    apart. But the people and political parties in Northern Ireland proved
    them wrong. We all persevered. People compromised. People showed
    courage.
        One year on, we can meet the deadline that has been set. More
    courage will be needed. But we are nearly there.
        The prize is very great indeed and it is now in sight. We have come
    too far to go back now. Let us finish the task between now and Good
    Friday.

    Note: The statement referred to Gen. John de Chastelain, Canadian
    Defense Forces (Ret.), Chair, Independent International Commission on
    Decommissioning. An original was not available for verification of the
    content of this joint statement.