[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 35 (Monday, September 4, 1995)]
[Pages 1465-1466]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the First Anniversary of the Cease-Fire in Northern Ireland

August 30, 1995

    Tomorrow marks the first anniversary of the Irish Republican Army's 
cease-fire in Northern Ireland, joined 6 weeks later by the Combined 
Loyalist Military Command. These historic decisions opened a door that 
had been closed to the people of Northern Ireland for too long--the 
gateway to peace.

[[Page 1466]]

On this anniversary, I urge the parties to build on the important work 
of the past year to secure a just and lasting settlement to a conflict 
that has cost so many lives.
    We owe much of the progress to the courage and determination of 
Prime Minister Major and Taoiseach Bruton and their continued 
willingness to take risks for peace. I also salute the people of 
Northern Ireland for their extraordinary perseverance and their 
dedication to the cause of peace. They have endured violence with so 
much dignity, and now the future that they have long deserved is within 
reach.
    I am looking forward to visiting a peaceful Northern Ireland later 
this year and paying personal tribute to those who have worked so hard 
to bring about this new day. I welcome the progress made in recent 
months toward reducing barriers, alleviating tension, and promoting 
reconciliation. Much, however, remains to be done. To advance the goal 
of peace, I urge both republicans and loyalists to do their part and 
seriously address the issue of decommissioning paramilitary weapons. 
This is an essential step toward banishing once and for all the specter 
of violence that has haunted Ireland. I urge the parties to sit down 
together soon to discuss their aspirations for the future as well as 
their fears and differences. As I have said before, I would be pleased 
if talks were underway by the time of my visit.
    As we look back on a year in which the bombs and guns have been 
silenced, I hope all the parties will reaffirm their commitment to build 
a peace in Northern Ireland for generations. The United States stands 
ready to support the people of Northern Ireland and the British and 
Irish Governments in that effort.