[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 37 (Monday, September 18, 2000)]
[Page 2062]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the Northern Ireland Peace Process

September 13, 2000

    I was encouraged by today's historic first visit to the White House 
by the leaders of Northern Ireland's new Government, established under 
the Good Friday accord. First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First 
Minister Seamus Mallon conveyed to me their absolute commitment to make 
the new political institutions work for the benefit of all the people of 
Northern Ireland. Although the institutions have only been fully 
operating for a matter of weeks, elected representatives from across the 
party spectrum are working together on issues--from economic development 
to the environment to health and education--that hold the key to a 
better life for their constituents, who now hold them accountable under 
devolution of power.
    While difficult issues relating to implementation of the Good Friday 
accord remain, I am convinced following today's meeting that all the 
parties can work together to overcome their differences and that they 
fully recognize the importance of doing so to ensure that these historic 
achievements are not lost. The ongoing violence reminds us of the need 
for all parties to carry out their obligations under the accord, and for 
those with political aims to pursue them through exclusively peaceful 
means.
    I am grateful for the invitation extended to me to visit Northern 
Ireland. I reaffirm my desire to continue to support the peace process 
in any way we can.
    Thanks to courageous and determined leadership, the people of 
Northern Ireland face a brighter future now than at any time in the last 
three decades. As those in zones of conflict around the world search for 
hope, they need look no further than Northern Ireland, whose leaders 
have proved that risks for peace are worth taking.