    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 33, Number 10 (Monday, March 10, 1997)]
    [Page 288]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    Statement on the Belfast Talks

    March 5, 1997

        As the Belfast talks on the future of Northern Ireland recess today
    for the British and local election campaigns, I want to emphasize the
    strong support of the United States for these historic negotiations.
    They offer an unparalleled opportunity for the Northern Ireland
    political parties and the British and Irish Governments to achieve a
    just and lasting settlement to the conflict that has haunted the people
    of Northern Ireland for too long. Violence can have no place in this
    democratic process. For the talks to be inclusive, as they are intended
    to be, the IRA must declare and implement an unequivocal cease-fire.
        Under the skilled chairmanship of Senator George Mitchell and his
    colleagues, the talks have made useful progress. When the talks
    reconvene in June, it is important that they move quickly into
    substantive negotiations. I hope the participants will return to
    Stormont on June 3 determined to work creatively to make real progress.
    If they do, they will have my full support for the negotiations and
    their eventual outcome.

    Note: The statement referred to George J. Mitchell, Special Assistant to
    the President for Northern Ireland.