    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 5, 2000]
    [Pages 853-854]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Process
    May 5, 2000

        I am greatly encouraged that Prime Ministers Blair and Ahern have announced that
    their intensive talks in Belfast over the past 2 days have made
    progress, providing a sound basis for restoring the political
    institutions and achieving full implementation of the Good Friday
    accord. I urge the parties and paramilitary organizations to seize this
    opportunity to realize these goals in order to secure lasting peace for
    the

    [[Page 854]]

    people of Northern Ireland. The United States remains prepared to assist
    in any way we can.

    Note: The statement referred to Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United
    Kingdom and Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of Ireland.