[Page S3962]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

FRIENDS OF IRELAND ST. PATRICK'S DAY STATEMENT--1995

Mr. KENNEDY. Madam President, over the last year, we have witnessed
truly historic progress in Northern Ireland which gives great hope that
lasting peace and reconciliation are at hand.
The Friends of Ireland is a bipartisan group of Senators and
Representatives opposed to violence in Northern Ireland and dedicated
to maintaining a United States policy that promotes a just, lasting,
and peaceful settlement of the conflict that has cost more than 3,100
lives over the past quarter century.
Since 1981, the Friends of Ireland have joined together in an annual
St. Patrick's Day statement which focuses on the situation in Northern
Ireland. I believe that all our colleagues will find this year's
statement of particular interest, and I ask unanimous consent that it
may be printed in the Record.
There being no objection, the statement was ordered to be printed in
the Record, as follows:

Statement by the Friends of Ireland, St. Patrick's Day, 1995

On this St. Patrick's Day, all friends of Ireland rejoice
in the historic developments of 1994 and early 1995 that have
led to a cease-fire in Northern Ireland and that offer the
best hope for a negotiated and lasting peace since the
Troubles began more than a quarter century ago.
We welcome the release last month by the British and Irish
Governments of the Framework Document, which provides a fair
and balanced basis for all-party talks in Northern Ireland--
talks we hope will begin soon. The way forward can be found
only if all parties work together to find a peaceful solution
that will have the support of the people of Northern Ireland.
We commend all those in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and
Britain, who deserve enduring credit for the achievements so
far--especially John Bruton, John Major, Dick Spring, Sir
Patrick Mayhew, John Hume, Gerry Adams, and Albert Reynolds.
We also commend the constructive role which President
Clinton, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy Smith, and
U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain William Crowe have played in
advancing this process. The combined efforts of the Congress
and the Administration played a critical role in the process
which led to the IRA's historic cease-fire announcement in
August 1994 and the Loyalist cease-fire declaration which
followed in October. We commend both the IRA and Loyalist
paramilitaries for deciding to seek a peaceful settlement to
the conflict.
We support the total demilitarization of Northern Ireland.
We urge the Republican and Loyalist paramilitaries to begin
turning in their weapons. We are encouraged by the
announcement by the British Government that it will begin to
withdraw troops from Northern Ireland and we are hopeful that
this process will continue.
Both the British and Irish Governments responded to the
cease-fire announcements with significant steps to advance
the cause of peace. The British Government opened cross-
border roads, lifted the broadcast ban and exclusion orders,
and removed British troops from daytime street patrols in
Northern Ireland. The Irish Government established the Forum
for Peace and Reconciliation, released prisoners, and lifted
emergency laws.
Many Unionists and their leaders have shown a willingness
to consider new proposals with an open-mindedness crucial to
genuine progress. This development is welcomed. We are also
greatly encouraged by visits of Unionist leaders to this
country. The United States is a friend of both communities
and we hope Unionists will continue to visit. It is important
that their voices be heard.
Recognizing that economic progress is also essential, the
Friends of Ireland support measures to encourage economic
development in Northern Ireland and the border counties of
Ireland damaged by the years of conflict. The cease-fire has
already led to new investment that will create needed jobs.
We welcome President Clinton's support for additional
private economic development as demonstrated by the
appointment of George Mitchell as the President's economic
envoy. We look forward to the Conference on Investment and
Trade for Ireland to be held in Washington in May. The aim of
the conference, according to its mandate, is ``to show U.S.
companies that sustained peace is dramatically improving
business opportunities on the island of Ireland, and
particularly Northern Ireland and the border counties.'' We
are confident it will encourage new American investment and
enhance the prospects for peace.
We support the International Fund for Ireland as an
important part of the search for peace. The Fund has helped
create more than 25,000 jobs in the most disadvantaged areas
of Northern Ireland and the border counties, and has had a
major beneficial impact on the people in these areas.
We agree with the Committee on the Administration of
Justice, an independent human rights organization in Northern
Ireland, that ``respect for and defense of human rights must
be the cornerstone of any lasting settlement to the
conflict.'' Britain should follow Ireland's lead and repeal
emergency legislation with respect to Northern Ireland. There
should be a thorough review of policing in Northern Ireland,
with the goal of creating a police force that has the
confidence of both communities. A Bill of Rights should be
enacted to provide full protection for all people in Northern
Ireland. Employment discrimination must be ended. We welcome
advances in legislation involving fair employment; but twice
as many Catholics as Protestants continue to be unemployed,
and new economic initiatives are needed to address this
injustice.
Finally, we are mindful that 1995 marks the 150th
anniversary of the beginning of the Great Irish Famine.
Though the Irish had already established a strong presence in
the early years of our nation, many of the 44 million Irish
Americans today are descendants of victims of the Famine. As
President Mary Robinson of Ireland has eloquently stated,
``Irishness is not simply territorial * * *
emigration is not just a chronicle of sorrow and regret. It
is also a powerful story of contribution and
adaptation.'' Irish-Americans have contributed immensely to
this country, while maintaining lasting ties of heritage,
history, and affection for the land of our ancestors.
As Friends of Ireland on St. Patrick's Day 1995, we commit
ourselves to ever closer ties with the island of Ireland and
all its people. It is our hope and prayer that 1995 will
bring even greater progress toward lasting peace.

FRIENDS OF IRELAND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

SENATE

Edward M. Kennedy.
Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
Claiborne Pell.
Christopher J. Dodd.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Newt Gingrich.
Richard A. Gephardt.
James T. Walsh.

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