    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 17, 2000]
    [Page 955]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Process
    May 17, 2000

        Monday, May 22, marks the second anniversary of the referenda in
    which the voters of Ireland and Northern Ireland overwhelmingly endorsed
    the Good Friday accord. Since then, Northern Ireland has made great
    strides toward becoming a peaceful society, following three decades of
    violence. Today, we are on the threshold of a major achievement--a
    lasting political arrangement that will allow the people of Northern
    Ireland and their representatives to decide their future for themselves
    by exclusively peaceful means, on the basis of consent. This is a chance
    to lock in the unprecedented progress that has been attained and propel
    the process forward. It is an opportunity that must not be lost. I urge
    the parties to lift their sights, seize the possibilities that are
    within their grasp, and take the steps necessary to advance the cause of
    peace.