US told of June deal hopes.
From IRISH NEWS March 16th, 2001
By William Graham
TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern has told US president George W Bush he believes negotiations
in Northern Ireland on policing, demilitarisation and arms can be brought
to a "successful closure" in June. Mr Ahern gave the American administration
an update on peace process developments when he addressed the speaker's
St Patrick's day lunch on Capitol Hill, which was attended by President
Bush. Both Houses of Congress had been unflagging supporters of the peace
process "and all of us deeply appreciate this commitment", Mr Ahern said.
"The process has achieved enormous progress to date. The Good Friday agreement of 1998, strongly endorsed by both parts of our island, is bringing a new politics to Northern Ireland and is returning normal life to the population after 30 years," he said. "It has put in place new structures that provide for the resolution of differences in a political way." "Alongside this new politics remain some issues that we have struggled with - at times very intensely over the past months." "The issues currently under negotiation are fundamental and include policing, demilitarisation, the stability of the institutions and putting arms beyond use." "While we have not yet succeeded in putting together a comprehensive package to resolve these issues, we have made substantial progress, and I believe we can bring them to a successful closure in June, " Mr Ahern added. The taoiseach welcomed the statement this week that an IRA representative has met the International Commission on Decommissioning, and said this re-engagement was a very positive development.
He said that he looked forward to further progress in pursuit of the IRA's
stated commitment to resolving the arms issue. On policing, Mr Ahern said
that the Irish and British governments are fully committed to the agreement's
vision of a new beginning through the establishment of a service capable
of attracting and sustaining support from the whole community. "I am very conscious of the continuing concern that the present legislation, as it stands, does not fully reflect the letter and spirit of the Patten reportto deliver the new police service we all want, " he said. "While significant progress has been made, more urgent work needs to be done." The policing
question is an issue which has been followed closely on Capitol Hill, in
both the House and the Senate. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland political leaders
at a White House reception today will urge President Bush to continue US
involvement in the peace process. The first business on the agenda today
for the St Patrick's week celebrations was the handing over of the traditional
crystal bowl of shamrock by Taoiseach Mr Ahern to President Bush. Afterwards,
political leaders, including First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First
Minister Seamus Mallon, were due to have discussions with the president.
Yesterday Mr Trimble and Mr Mallon had their first introduction to President
Bush at the annual House speaker's St Patrick's lunch. Mr Mallon, who was
seated at the luncheon beside US secretary of state Colin Powell, has said
he has been encouraged by the level of interest shown in the Northern Ireland
question. He commented that there can be little doubt that the progress
in the implementation of the Good Friday agreement was being observed very
closely in Washington. Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, who will also meet
President Bush today, said yesterday that the latest IRA statement on engaging
with the decommissioning commission was further evidence of republicans
honouring their commitments and acting in the interests of the peace process.
Yesterday Mr Adams had meetings with Secretary of State Mr Powell and New
York senator Hillary Clinton. He also had discussions on Capitol Hill with
Senators Kennedy and Dodd and Representatives Peter King and Ben Gilman.
Mr Adams said: "I welcome this opportunity to brief the White House, senior US politicians and the Irish-American community on what is happening in the peace process." "At present the process is in difficulty due to the unlawful actions of First Minister David Trimble and the failure of the British government to deliver on commitments made last May at Hillsborough." Mr Adams said
that he would be thanking all those who have been so supportive of the peace
process and urging them to continue their efforts. DUP leader Ian Paisley
and his deputy Peter Robinson will also meet President Bush today. Mr Paisley
said the visit was taking place at President Bush's request. |
