[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 48 (Monday, December 4, 1995)]
[Page 2068]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on Departure for the United Kingdom

November 28, 1995

    I have just come from a meeting with the congressional leadership, 
where we discussed the importance of continuing America's leadership in 
the search for peace in Bosnia. I emphasized to them this afternoon, as 
I did to the American people last evening, that our mission will be 
clear, limited, and achievable, and that the risks to our troops will be 
minimized. Bosnia is a case where our leadership can make the difference 
between peace and war. And America must choose peace.
    Now I am departing for Europe, where British Prime Minister Major 
and Irish Prime Minister Bruton have just announced the launching of a 
promising new twin-track initiative to advance the peace process in 
Northern Ireland. I want to salute both these leaders for their vision, 
their courage, and for their leadership for peace.
    The twin-track initiative will establish an international body to 
address the issue of arms decommissioning, while at the same time 
organizing preliminary political talks in which all parties--all parties 
will be invited to participate. I am pleased that former Senator George 
Mitchell will chair the international body. The goal is to bring all the 
parties together for political talks on the future of Northern Ireland. 
This is an opportunity to begin a dialog in which all views are 
presented and all are heard.
    In just a few days, I will become the first American President ever 
to visit Northern Ireland. Last year's cease-fire and the process of 
negotiations has sparked a remarkable transformation in that land. For 
the first time in 25 years, children can walk to school without fear. 
Bomb-shattered shopfronts have both been replaced by new businesses. 
People can visit their relatives and friends without the burdens of 
checkpoints or barricades. Crossing the border between north and south 
is as simple as going over a speed bump.
    The twin-track initiative builds on those achievements. It brings 
the people of Northern Ireland one step closer to the day when the only 
barriers their children will face are the limits of their dreams.
    Today's announcement also brings hope and strength to all those who 
struggle for peace around the world. It demonstrates that the will for 
peace is more powerful than bombs and bullets. And it reminds us once 
again that, with courage and resolve, bitter legacies of conflict can be 
overcome.
    The United States is proud to support the peacemakers in Northern 
Ireland, in the Middle East, in Bosnia, and throughout the world. Those 
who stand up for peace will have the United States standing with them.
    Thank you very much.

Note: The President spoke at 7:26 p.m. on the South Lawn at the White 
House. In his remarks, he referred to Prime Minister John Major of the 
United Kingdom and Prime Minister John Bruton of Ireland.