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Adams, Gerry

Clinton and Bruton Hail Peace Process in Northern Ireland, Mark 25 Years Without Violence

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

President Clinton and Irish Prime Minister John Bruton welcomed the peace process in Northern Ireland, marking 25 years without violence and terrorism. The two leaders hailed the progress made since the agreement went into effect last summer, which has brought peace to the streets of Belfast and London. Clinton praised Bruton for his role in the peace process, while Bruton thanked Clinton for his support and risks taken during his administration.

Key Takeaways:

  • Clinton presented Bruton with a bowl of shamrocks, a traditional St. Patrick's Day gift, marking the first visit to the United States for the Irish Prime Minister.
  • The peace process has ended 25 years of violence and terrorism in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
  • Bruton praised Clinton for his role in the peace process, saying it will rank as one of his major personal achievements.
  • Adams, the leader of Sinn Fein, was granted a visa to raise money in the United States for the IRA, with the promise that the money would not be used to pay for weapons.
  • Clinton has announced that Irish citizens will no longer require visas for visits to the United States, starting April 1.
  • Discussions are underway between Adams, British officials, and the Clinton administration to set agendas for higher-level talks aimed at bringing peace to Northern Ireland.
  • Adams has applauded Clinton's 'even-handed' treatment and described the discussions as a 'new phase of the peace process.'

Statistics:

  • 25 years: the duration of violence and terrorism in Northern Ireland and Great Britain before the peace process took effect.
  • 100,000: the number of welcomes in the Gaelic greeting 'Ceade milefailte' given by Clinton to Bruton.
  • 3 months: the duration of Adams' visa to raise money for the IRA in the United States.
  • 1987: the year in which John McMichael, the father of Gary McMichael, was killed by the IRA.
  • 1 April: the date from which Irish citizens will no longer require visas for visits to the United States.

Sources:

  • Washington Post
  • CNN

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