DATE=9/13/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON - NORTHERN IRELAND (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-266458
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The leaders of Northern Ireland's power-
sharing government are signaling that this week's
violence in the province will not set back the peace
process. They made their comments after briefing
President Clinton at the White House about the status
of peace in Northern Ireland. Correspondent Deborah
Tate reports.
Text: David Trimble, the leader of the Ulster
Unionists, the main party of the pro-British
Protestant majority and the first minister of the
legislature, says he never expected all the province's
problems would disappear after Britain handed over
home-rule powers in November of last year.
Two bomb blasts this week have been blamed on
republican dissidents opposed to the peace process.
No injuries were reported.
Mr. Trimble says society as a whole in Northern
Ireland has chosen peace. But he says the renewed
violence makes clear there are some who have yet to
decide.
/// Trimble Act ///
Some people still have to make up their minds
about what we are doing, about the agreement,
and about the future we are trying to bring
about. Do they actually want to buy into that
future, or do they prefer to go back to the
past, to the violence and the associated
racketeering and criminality that was there as
well.
/// End Act ///
Joining Mr. Trimble at the White House was Seamus
Mallon, leader of the Social Democratic and Labor
Party, the main party of the pro-Irish, Catholic
minority, and the deputy leader of the assembly. He
also expressed concern about the bomb blasts, one of
which occurred not far from his home.
/// Mallon Act ///
What is happening in Belfast is very worrying
indeed. I believe, and I speak not as a
loyalist, but I believe there is socio-economic
dimension to that type of violence. I want to
look at that, as does David, and see what we can
do about that.
/// End Act ///
The violence was one of several issues the Northern
Ireland leaders discussed with the president.
Disputes over the hand-over of arms and the make-up of
a new police force in the province were also on the
agenda.
Still, Mr. Trimble and Mr. Mallon argued that the
disagreements over some issues should not obscure the
real progress made toward peace in Northern Ireland.
They noted the economic benefits that have come to
region in the past year -- an increase in job growth
and U-S investment.
President Clinton also sounded an optimistic note in a
statement read by his spokesman, Joe Lockhart:
/// Lockhart Act ///
While difficult issues relating to the
implementation of the Good Friday [peace]
accords remain, I am convinced following today's
meeting that all the parties can work together
to overcome their differences, and that they
fully recognize the importance of doing so to
ensure that these historic achievements are not
lost.
/// End Act ///
Mr. Clinton said the ongoing violence underscores the
need for all parties to carry out their obligations
under the Good Friday accords. He called on those
with political aims to pursue them exclusively through
peaceful means.
The president has played a leading role in the
Northern Ireland peace process, and has traveled to
the province twice. Mr. Trimble and Mr. Mallon
invited him to return before his term ends in January.
Mr. Clinton said he hoped that could be arranged.
(signed)
NEB/DAT/JP
13-Sep-2000 15:19 PM LOC (13-Sep-2000 1919 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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