[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 35, Number 11 (Monday, March 22, 1999)]
[Pages 462-463]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Joint Statement by U.S. President Bill Clinton, the Irish Taoiseach 
Bertie Ahern, and the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair

March 18, 1999

Northern Ireland Peace Process

    As we approach the first anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, 
we can all take heart at how far we have come in a year.
    The Agreement has provided the basis for the two traditions to work 
together, both in Northern Ireland and on the island as a whole, for the 
first time in 200 years. Democratically endorsed by an emphatic majority 
of people in both the North and the South, it gives a unique opportunity 
for peace and reconciliation in which all the signatories can take 
pride. It has rightly been acknowledged as an example to the rest of the 
world of how dialogue can bring an end to conflict.
    Much progress has been made in implementing the Agreement. The basis 
for a new partnership government in Northern Ireland has been agreed. 
Elections have been held. Last week, the Irish and British Governments 
signed treaties providing for the establishment of North/South 
implementation bodies, a North/South Ministerial council, a British-
Irish Council and a British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference. With 
these treaties, arrangements have been finalized for institutions which 
will provide for a new level of cooperation and partnership. This will 
bring real, practical benefits to everyone concerned.
    Implementation of the provisions of the Agreement, ensuring that the 
future is based on full respect for equality and freedom from 
discrimination for all, is also well advanced. The review of the 
criminal justice system is well under way, as is the work of the 
commission examining the key area of policing.
    The balanced constitutional accommodation set out in the Agreement, 
based on consent, is ready to become operational. The solemn commitment 
that the future will be shaped by exclusively democratic and peaceful 
means, provides the framework within which the new institutions can work 
and enjoy the confidence of all sides.
    Large numbers of prisoners have been released on both sides of the 
border. That is an essential part of the Agreement, although one that 
has caused undoubted pain to those who have loved ones during the years 
of conflict. The ceasefires remain solid. General de Chastelain 
continues his vital work to achieve progress on decommissioning.
    There is much work still to be done to implement all aspects of the 
Agreement. But the substantial progress already achieved gives us hope 
for the future.
    Despite the progress, Omagh demonstrated that the peace has not been 
a perfect peace. The cruel and senseless murder of Rosemary Nelson is a 
further reminder. But the response to Omagh showed that, despite the 
pain, there is deep determination in both the North and the South that 
peace is the only path. We call for an end to all the killings and 
punishment beatings. Violence of the kind we have seen again this week 
must not be allowed to unsettle the peace process.
    The Agreement endorsed by the people last May must be implemented in 
all its aspects and the remaining difficulties must be resolved.
    We, as leaders, bear that responsibility and that means all of us, 
whether we live in

[[Page 463]]

Northern Ireland, the Republic, Britain, or the United States.
    This is what the people want and we must not fail them. A year ago, 
people said it was hopeless, that the sides were too far apart. But the 
people and political parties in Northern Ireland proved them wrong. We 
all persevered. People compromised. People showed courage.
    One year on, we can meet the deadline that has been set. More 
courage will be needed. But we are nearly there.
    The prize is very great indeed and it is now in sight. We have come 
too far to go back now. Let us finish the task between now and Good 
Friday.

Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this joint statement.