[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 3 (Monday, January 20, 1997)]
[Page 45]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Process

January 13, 1997

    I welcome the resumption of the multiparty talks on the future of 
Northern Ireland in Belfast today. As the new year begins, I urge the 
British and Irish Governments and the leaders of Northern Ireland's 
political parties to press forward with their efforts to achieve a 
lasting settlement that will ensure peace, justice, prosperity, and 
opportunity for the people they represent. I am proud of the 
contribution that Senator George Mitchell and his two cochairmen are 
making to these important negotiations.
    I am deeply outraged by the end of the IRA cease-fire, which 
threatens to plunge Northern Ireland into a senseless spiral of 
violence. As we start a new year, I call again on the IRA to restore its 
cease-fire immediately. I have always believed that the Belfast talks 
will have a better chance of success if all the elected parties, 
including Sinn Fein, are at the table, but that can only happen if the 
IRA declares and implements a cease-fire in both words and deeds. I 
remain convinced that if such an action is taken, substantive and 
inclusive talks would soon follow.
    As I saw during my visit to Northern Ireland just over a year ago, 
the overwhelming majority of the people yearn for a just and lasting 
settlement and an end to the conflict that has divided them for so long. 
I am committed to supporting the courageous people of both traditions 
who are working toward that goal. And I urge the loyalists to maintain 
their cease-fire and refrain from descending into a cycle of escalating 
violence.
    Sadly, sectarian clashes during the summer revealed again the depth 
of suspicion and animosity between the two communities of Northern 
Ireland. When we look back in another year's time, I pray that we will 
call to mind images of hope and promise, reconciliation and peace in 
Northern Ireland. My administration remains committed to supporting the 
British and Irish Governments, the political leaders, and the people of 
Northern Ireland as they work to reach a just and lasting settlement.