[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.