[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 50 (Monday, December 20, 1993)]
[Pages 2599-2600]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Peace Process in Northern Ireland

 December 15, 1993

    I warmly welcome today's joint declaration of Prime Ministers Albert 
Reynolds and John Major proposing a framework for peaceful resolution of 
the situation in Northern Ireland. I have followed with intense interest 
the British and Irish Prime Ministers' courageous search for peace. 
Their flexibility has led London and Dublin, for the first time, to 
acknowledge the other's deepest aspirations. The joint declaration 
reflects the yearning for peace that is shared by all tradi- 

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tions in Ireland and creates an historic opportunity to end the tragic 
cycle of bloodshed.
    Difficult issues still remain to be resolved, including questions at 
the heart of national and cultural identity and majority and minority 
rights. But as Prime Minister Reynolds said, the framework recognizes 
that differences can be fully and satisfactorily addressed and solved 
through the political process on the basis of fundamental principles of 
agreement and consent. It reflects the belief of both Governments that 
the way forward lies through dialog and cooperation, without 
compromising the beliefs of either tradition. I am especially heartened 
that, in the words of Prime Minister Major, the framework ``closes no 
doors, except the door to violence.'' We hope that all parties will be 
inspired by the vision Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Major have shown.
    I reaffirm the readiness of the United States to contribute in any 
appropriate way to the new opportunities which lie ahead in Northern 
Ireland. Our support for renewed political dialog remains steadfast.
    In this season of hope, the call for peace on Earth has a special 
resonance in Northern Ireland. No side which claims a legitimate stake 
in the future of Northern Ireland can justify continued violence on any 
grounds. I call on those who would still seek to embrace or justify 
violence to heed the words of Paul and ``cast off the works of darkness, 
and . . . put on the armor of light.''