TRANSLATING SPIRIT OF HOPE INTO REALITY
Translating spirit of hope into reality
By Philip Lader
LAST Tuesday, during my visit to Northern Ireland in advance of President Clinton's, I walked the streets of the beautiful cathedral city of Armagh and met men and women whose courage and dedication to peace helped make the Good Friday agreement possible.
In 1995 President Clinton came to Northern Ireland to encourage those who had hope and to tell the merchants of violence that their time was over. That occasion remains a touchstone for him and many others. It was a remarkable moment.
In 1998, the president returns to pay tribute to the people of Northern Ireland for translating that spirit into reality. He will begin by meeting with the new members of the assembly to underscore his support for the Good Friday agreement, which received the support of the overwhelming majority of people throughout the island of Ireland. He will call on all participants to implement it in its entirety.
As George Bernard Shaw reminds us, however, peace is infinitely more arduous than conflict. Difficult challenges remain. Thus a certain theme of his visit will be to show that, just as the United States stood with those who took risks for peace, my country will remain deeply engaged in supporting the peace process and economic development in Northern Ireland.
The president will also travel to Omagh to convey the American people's sympathy to victims of the horrific attack. He will bear witness to their courage in pulling together in the face of tragedy and refusing to be deterred by a vicious minority.
This city has welcomed visitors from afar many times in its long history. The twin cathedrals which dominate the skyline are reminders of the potential for reconciliation. Their graceful spires call to mind the American poet Walt Whitman's line, "peace is always beautiful". We hope the people of Armagh will join in the dignified gathering for peace on The Mall this evening.
As the tragedy in Omagh brutally reminded us, the patient, delicate work of reconciliation is needed. In Armagh President Clinton will articulate the American people's commitment to walk down that road with the people of Northern Ireland. Every state and county in America owes much to those who came from this land and who built a new nation.
In turn, today we Americans are committed to helping the people of Northern Ireland secure the peace and prosperity they deserve.
Philip Lader is US ambassador to London
By Philip Lader
LAST Tuesday, during my visit to Northern Ireland in advance of President Clinton's, I walked the streets of the beautiful cathedral city of Armagh and met men and women whose courage and dedication to peace helped make the Good Friday agreement possible.
In 1995 President Clinton came to Northern Ireland to encourage those who had hope and to tell the merchants of violence that their time was over. That occasion remains a touchstone for him and many others. It was a remarkable moment.
In 1998, the president returns to pay tribute to the people of Northern Ireland for translating that spirit into reality. He will begin by meeting with the new members of the assembly to underscore his support for the Good Friday agreement, which received the support of the overwhelming majority of people throughout the island of Ireland. He will call on all participants to implement it in its entirety.
As George Bernard Shaw reminds us, however, peace is infinitely more arduous than conflict. Difficult challenges remain. Thus a certain theme of his visit will be to show that, just as the United States stood with those who took risks for peace, my country will remain deeply engaged in supporting the peace process and economic development in Northern Ireland.
The president will also travel to Omagh to convey the American people's sympathy to victims of the horrific attack. He will bear witness to their courage in pulling together in the face of tragedy and refusing to be deterred by a vicious minority.
This city has welcomed visitors from afar many times in its long history. The twin cathedrals which dominate the skyline are reminders of the potential for reconciliation. Their graceful spires call to mind the American poet Walt Whitman's line, "peace is always beautiful". We hope the people of Armagh will join in the dignified gathering for peace on The Mall this evening.
As the tragedy in Omagh brutally reminded us, the patient, delicate work of reconciliation is needed. In Armagh President Clinton will articulate the American people's commitment to walk down that road with the people of Northern Ireland. Every state and county in America owes much to those who came from this land and who built a new nation.
In turn, today we Americans are committed to helping the people of Northern Ireland secure the peace and prosperity they deserve.
Philip Lader is US ambassador to London
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0218
Published Date: 03-Sep-98
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