DON'T LET CHANCE OF PEACE SLIP AWAY
Don't let chance of peace slip away'
US PRESIDENT Bill Clinton yesterday urged the people of Northern Ireland not to allow the chances of permanent peace and political stability to slip away, warning: "It may not come again in our lifetime."
Stating that the people of Ulster had moved from "the deep freeze of despair to the warm sunlight of peace", he said it was magical to see that transformation unfold.
"America is with you," he said. "The entire world is with you."
In his keynote speech, Mr Clinton sent an unambiguous message that the United States was willing to provide all the help possible, including financial investment, for a country taking steps towards the future.
Essential to that he said was the courage and reconciliation that must drive the Assembly forward in specific ways.
He then outlined what was expected.
The President said: "To decommission weapons of war that are obsolete in Northern Ireland at peace.
"To move forward with a formation of an executive council, adapt your police force so that it has the confidence, respect and support of all the people.
"To end street justice,because defining crime, applying punishment, and enforcing the law, must be left to the peoples' elected representatives, the courts and the police.
"To pursue early release for prisoners whose organisations have truly abandoned violence and to help them find a productive, constructive place in society.
"To build a more just society where human rights are birth rights and where every citizen receives equal protection and equal treatment under the law."
"These must be the benchmarks of the new Northern Ireland. The words and the 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 of your citizens."
Appealing directly to the people, he said they also had a duty to back their leaders.
"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 on the peace. The question is not whether there will be more bombs and more attempts to undo with violence the verdict of the ballot box. There well may be."
"The question is not whether tempers will flare and debates will be divisive. They certainly will be. The question is: How will you react to it all, to the violence? How will you deal with your differences? Can the bad habits and brute forces of yesterday break your will for tomorrow's peace?"
From this point on, there was only one dividing line to be drawn through society.
"The line between those who embrace pence and those who would destroy it. Between those energised by hope and those paralysed by hatred. Between those who choose to build up and those who want to keep on tearing down."
The President said that in the early days of the American republic, the gaelic term for America was Inis Fail - island of destiny.
"Today, Americans see you as Inis Fail and your destiny is peace. America is with you. The entire world is with you. May God be with you and give you strength for the good work ahead."
The President received a standing ovation and leaving the stage he shook hands with members of the audience, including Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and, further down the line, Ulster Unionist Jeffrey Donaldson.
He later emerged from the Waterfront Hall to loud cheers from a large crowd which had gathered outside and. with Mr Blair, shook hands with well-wishers.
US PRESIDENT Bill Clinton yesterday urged the people of Northern Ireland not to allow the chances of permanent peace and political stability to slip away, warning: "It may not come again in our lifetime."
Stating that the people of Ulster had moved from "the deep freeze of despair to the warm sunlight of peace", he said it was magical to see that transformation unfold.
"America is with you," he said. "The entire world is with you."
In his keynote speech, Mr Clinton sent an unambiguous message that the United States was willing to provide all the help possible, including financial investment, for a country taking steps towards the future.
Essential to that he said was the courage and reconciliation that must drive the Assembly forward in specific ways.
He then outlined what was expected.
The President said: "To decommission weapons of war that are obsolete in Northern Ireland at peace.
"To move forward with a formation of an executive council, adapt your police force so that it has the confidence, respect and support of all the people.
"To end street justice,because defining crime, applying punishment, and enforcing the law, must be left to the peoples' elected representatives, the courts and the police.
"To pursue early release for prisoners whose organisations have truly abandoned violence and to help them find a productive, constructive place in society.
"To build a more just society where human rights are birth rights and where every citizen receives equal protection and equal treatment under the law."
"These must be the benchmarks of the new Northern Ireland. The words and the 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 of your citizens."
Appealing directly to the people, he said they also had a duty to back their leaders.
"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 on the peace. The question is not whether there will be more bombs and more attempts to undo with violence the verdict of the ballot box. There well may be."
"The question is not whether tempers will flare and debates will be divisive. They certainly will be. The question is: How will you react to it all, to the violence? How will you deal with your differences? Can the bad habits and brute forces of yesterday break your will for tomorrow's peace?"
From this point on, there was only one dividing line to be drawn through society.
"The line between those who embrace pence and those who would destroy it. Between those energised by hope and those paralysed by hatred. Between those who choose to build up and those who want to keep on tearing down."
The President said that in the early days of the American republic, the gaelic term for America was Inis Fail - island of destiny.
"Today, Americans see you as Inis Fail and your destiny is peace. America is with you. The entire world is with you. May God be with you and give you strength for the good work ahead."
The President received a standing ovation and leaving the stage he shook hands with members of the audience, including Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, Martin McGuinness and, further down the line, Ulster Unionist Jeffrey Donaldson.
He later emerged from the Waterfront Hall to loud cheers from a large crowd which had gathered outside and. with Mr Blair, shook hands with well-wishers.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/267
Published Date: 04-Sep-98
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