[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 9 (Monday, March 4, 1996)]
[Page 386]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Process

February 28, 1996

    I welcome the announcement made today by British Prime Minister 
Major and Irish Prime Minister Bruton of a path to negotiations for a 
just and lasting settlement in Northern Ireland. I want to express my 
admiration for these two leaders, who have shown so much courage and 
determination in the cause of peace. The clear path they have laid out 
leads to inclusive talks on the future of Northern Ireland, once the 
cease-fire has been restored. I am convinced that this is the path 
supported by the overwhelming majority of the people of Northern 
Ireland, who have so resoundingly rejected violence and embraced peace. 
I call on those who have resorted to violence to heed the voice of the 
people and cease their campaign of terror.
    The process that Prime Ministers Bruton and Major have announced 
will begin with intensive consultations among the Governments and the 
parties to reach agreement on a broadly acceptable elective process, 
which will lead directly and without preconditions to all-party 
negotiations by June 10, 1996. The consultations, to begin early next 
month, will also address the framework for those negotiations and 
whether to hold a referendum on support for the peace process. I hope 
all the parties will commit themselves to participate fully in the 
process announced today in order to create the lasting peace the people 
of Northern Ireland deserve.
    The United States remains fully committed to supporting the search 
for peace in which the two Governments, the parties, and the people of 
Northern Ireland have invested so much. I will remain in close touch 
with Prime Ministers Major and Bruton, who know they have my full 
support in their pursuit of peace. We will continue to work with the 
parties in the same cause.