CLINTON'S MARKERS FOR PROGRESS
Clinton's markers for progress
US President Bill Clinton yesterday detailed the "benchmarks" for a new Northern Ireland - and his powerful message to local politicians was that a spirit of reconciliation must be rooted in all they do.
He said that courage and reconciliation must drive the new assembly in very specific ways.
President Clinton said the benchmarks were:
-decommission the weapons of war that are obsolete in a Northern Ireland at peace
-move forward with the formation of an executive council
-adapt "your police force" so that it earns the confidence, respect and support of all the people
-end street justice, because defining crime, applying punishment and enforcing the law must be left to the people's elected representatives, the courts and the police
-pursue early release for prisoners whose organisations have truly abandoned violence, and help them find a productive, constructive place in society
-build a more just society where human rights are birthrights and where every citizen receives equal protection and equal treatment under the law.
This was a carefully crafted keynote speech by a president who fully understands that all the pieces in the Good Friday jigsaw must come together if the historic agreement is to work.
But Mr Clinton said that "the words and actions of your leaders this week and their willingness to meet are hopeful reflections of the spirit of courage and reconciliation that must embrace all citizens."
This was an all-inclusive speech which referred not only to the role of political leaders but also the activities of community leaders, the non-governmental organisations, those in business, law and academia. The president "especially saluted the women who have been such a powerful force for peace".
In the most moving part of his address Mr Clinton said: "All your voices are vital. The example you set among your neighbours, the work you do in your communities, the standards you demand from your elected officials - all these will have a very, very large impact on your future.
"And to the people of Northern Ireland I say it is your will for peace, after all, that has brought your country to this moment of hope. Do not let it slip away. It will not come again in our lifetime. Give your leaders the support they need to make the hard, but necessary decisions.
"You voted for a future different from the past. Now you must prove that the passion for reason and moderation can trump the power of extremes.
"There will be hard roads ahead. The terror in Omagh was not the last bomb of the troubles - it was the opening shot of a vicious attack oh the peace."
Mr Clinton insisted that people and leaders were moving Northern Ireland from the deep freeze of despair to the warm sunlight of peace and that they would succeed in building a peaceful and prosperous future.
The speech was well received and Mr Clinton received a standing ovation. The DUP, however, boycotted the Waterfront event.
Earlier there was much interest also in what David Trimble as first minister would have to say. Sinn Fein politicians appeared angry at some of Mr Trimble's comments and a number of other parties thought it was patchy and not a speech for the day that was in it.
Yet it could be argued that there were ambiguities in Mr Trimble's speech which, if interpreted in certain ways, did not absolutely close down opportunities for the way ahead.
Certainly, Mr Trimble delivered a strong message when he said that "if the so-called war is really over, then there is no justification for holding onto illegal weapons".
At the same time Mr Trimble welcomed every move towards peace, every pledge to make peace, and added that he would "work with anyone who has the interests of peace at heart".
And he said he wanted to raise up a new Northern Ireland in which unionists and nationalists work in partnership. He believed "we can provide a pluralist parliament for a pluralist people".
Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon said that the road to the future was always under construction and "the democratic institution of the assembly will take root to become a living symbol of hope and confidence for all the people of Northern Ireland".
US President Bill Clinton yesterday detailed the "benchmarks" for a new Northern Ireland - and his powerful message to local politicians was that a spirit of reconciliation must be rooted in all they do.
He said that courage and reconciliation must drive the new assembly in very specific ways.
President Clinton said the benchmarks were:
-decommission the weapons of war that are obsolete in a Northern Ireland at peace
-move forward with the formation of an executive council
-adapt "your police force" so that it earns the confidence, respect and support of all the people
-end street justice, because defining crime, applying punishment and enforcing the law must be left to the people's elected representatives, the courts and the police
-pursue early release for prisoners whose organisations have truly abandoned violence, and help them find a productive, constructive place in society
-build a more just society where human rights are birthrights and where every citizen receives equal protection and equal treatment under the law.
This was a carefully crafted keynote speech by a president who fully understands that all the pieces in the Good Friday jigsaw must come together if the historic agreement is to work.
But Mr Clinton said that "the words and actions of your leaders this week and their willingness to meet are hopeful reflections of the spirit of courage and reconciliation that must embrace all citizens."
This was an all-inclusive speech which referred not only to the role of political leaders but also the activities of community leaders, the non-governmental organisations, those in business, law and academia. The president "especially saluted the women who have been such a powerful force for peace".
In the most moving part of his address Mr Clinton said: "All your voices are vital. The example you set among your neighbours, the work you do in your communities, the standards you demand from your elected officials - all these will have a very, very large impact on your future.
"And to the people of Northern Ireland I say it is your will for peace, after all, that has brought your country to this moment of hope. Do not let it slip away. It will not come again in our lifetime. Give your leaders the support they need to make the hard, but necessary decisions.
"You voted for a future different from the past. Now you must prove that the passion for reason and moderation can trump the power of extremes.
"There will be hard roads ahead. The terror in Omagh was not the last bomb of the troubles - it was the opening shot of a vicious attack oh the peace."
Mr Clinton insisted that people and leaders were moving Northern Ireland from the deep freeze of despair to the warm sunlight of peace and that they would succeed in building a peaceful and prosperous future.
The speech was well received and Mr Clinton received a standing ovation. The DUP, however, boycotted the Waterfront event.
Earlier there was much interest also in what David Trimble as first minister would have to say. Sinn Fein politicians appeared angry at some of Mr Trimble's comments and a number of other parties thought it was patchy and not a speech for the day that was in it.
Yet it could be argued that there were ambiguities in Mr Trimble's speech which, if interpreted in certain ways, did not absolutely close down opportunities for the way ahead.
Certainly, Mr Trimble delivered a strong message when he said that "if the so-called war is really over, then there is no justification for holding onto illegal weapons".
At the same time Mr Trimble welcomed every move towards peace, every pledge to make peace, and added that he would "work with anyone who has the interests of peace at heart".
And he said he wanted to raise up a new Northern Ireland in which unionists and nationalists work in partnership. He believed "we can provide a pluralist parliament for a pluralist people".
Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon said that the road to the future was always under construction and "the democratic institution of the assembly will take root to become a living symbol of hope and confidence for all the people of Northern Ireland".
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0226
Published Date: 04-Sep-98
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