    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [February 11, 2000]
    [Pages 237-238]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Process
    February 11, 2000

        The Good Friday accord, made possible by the courage of leaders from
    both of Northern Ireland's communities, responded to the people's
    overwhelming desire for peace. It has been sustained by those leaders
    making the tough decisions necessary to keep the process moving

    [[Page 238]]

    forward. I regret that the IRA did not give the de Chastelain Commission
    a more timely commitment on arms decommissioning to maintain the
    momentum toward full implementation of the accord--a commitment which
    reflects the wishes of the vast majority of people both in Ireland and
    in Northern Ireland.
        At the same time, we have seen real progress in the past few days.
    This progress is reflected in the most recent report from the de
    Chastelain Commission, which states that the commitment made by the
    IRA's representative ``holds out the real prospect of an agreement which
    would enable [the Commission] to fulfill the substance of its mandate.''
    I urge all the parties to build on that progress, remain engaged, and
    carry through on their responsibilities to work together to achieve the
    full implementation of the Good Friday accord.