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Sinn Fein

Clinton Authorizes Visas for IRA Members Amidst Peace Talks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

President Clinton has personally authorized the State Department to grant visas for a visit to the United States by members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), including Joe Cahill and Patrick Treanor. The visit aims to discuss developments in the peace process with Irish-American groups in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. The IRA has been fighting a decades-long guerrilla war with Great Britain, and a cease-fire is expected to be announced shortly. The visit comes amidst a statement by Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, who has expressed optimism about a democratic and peaceful settlement.

Key Takeaways:

  • President Clinton personally authorized the State Department to grant visas for IRA members, including Joe Cahill and Patrick Treanor, to discuss peace talks with Irish-American groups.
  • The visit aims to explain Sinn Fein's new thinking on a cease-fire, which is expected to be announced shortly.
  • The IRA has been fighting a decades-long guerrilla war with Great Britain, and a cease-fire could bring about a just and lasting peace.
  • US officials consulted with Great Britain before issuing the visas to avoid ruffling feathers in London, as was the case when Gerry Adams visited the US earlier this year.
  • The US provides $20 million annually in reconstruction assistance for Northern Ireland through the International Fund for Ireland.
  • US officials are prepared to increase aid if a peace accord is reached.

Statistics:

  • $20 million: The annual US aid to Northern Ireland through the International Fund for Ireland.
  • Decades-long: The duration of the IRA's guerrilla war with Great Britain.
  • 3 cities: Boston, New York, and Philadelphia: The cities where IRA members will meet with Irish-American groups.
  • 2 individuals: Joe Cahill and Patrick Treanor: The IRA members who have been granted visas.
  • 1 group: Sinn Fein: The extremist group closely tied to the IRA.
  • 1 statement: Gerry Adams' speech, which expressed optimism about a democratic and peaceful settlement.

Sources:

  • "Byline: SID BALMAN Jr. WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 President Clinton personally authorized the State Department to grant visas for a visit to the United States by members of the Irish Republican Army, U.S. officials said Tuesday."

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