[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000-2001, Book III)]
[October 25, 2000]
[Page 2326]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 2326]]


Statement on the Irish Republican Army's Decision on Arms Inspections
October 25, 2000

    I was very pleased to learn today of the IRA's announcement that it 
has decided to allow a repeat inspection of a number of its arms dumps. 
This constitutes an important and timely confidence-building measure as 
part of a process initiated by the IRA aimed at putting its arms 
completely and verifiably beyond use. I welcome the IRA's statement that 
it has not broken off contact with the de Chastelain Commission, and I 
hope discussions with the Commission will resume at the earliest 
possible opportunity. I urge all parties to work together and in 
cooperation with the British and Irish Governments to build on the 
genuine progress that has already been achieved in implementing the Good 
Friday accord, by restoring momentum toward full implementation of all 
its provisions within the agreed timeframe.