Sign in Subscribe
Adams, Gerry

Clinton Lifts Ban on Official Contacts with Sinn Fein, a Step Towards Peace in Northern Ireland

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

In a historic move, President Clinton has lifted a 20-year ban on official contacts between the United States and Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army. This decision reflects the US administration's assessment that Sinn Fein is seeking to advance its objectives "by peaceful means." The move is seen as a significant step towards elevating Sinn Fein to political respectability and facilitating a dialogue between the organization and the US government. The White House announced the decision through a telephone call from Vice President Al Gore to Gerry Adams, the head of Sinn Fein, who is currently on a two-week tour of the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US ban on official contacts with Sinn Fein was lifted after the Irish Republican Army (I.R.A.) declared a ceasefire in its battle against British rule in Northern Ireland, a month ago.
  • This move represents a substantial step in elevating Sinn Fein to political respectability and opens the way to a new dialogue between the US and the organization.
  • The US administration's view is that Sinn Fein is seeking to advance its objectives "by peaceful means," and this decision reflects that assessment.
  • The I.R.A. remains on the State Department's list of terrorist organizations, but Administration officials said that the cease-fire and the month of peace that has followed justified reaching out to Sinn Fein.
  • Senior Administration officials including Anthony Lake, the national security adviser, had warned British officials of the move in a telephone call on Sunday.
  • The White House had twice waived a ban that denies visas to representatives of terrorist organizations to allow Mr. Adams to visit the United States.
  • The decision is seen as a significant step towards facilitating a dialogue between the US and the I.R.A. military leaders, as Mr. Clinton's decision could allow for talks with the I.R.A.'s military leaders.
  • The US administration is cautious in its relationship with Sinn Fein, recognizing the "very fine line" between the I.R.A. and Sinn Fein, and not endorsing Sinn Fein's claimed distinction from the I.R.A.

Statistics:

  • 20 years: The length of time the US ban on official contacts with Sinn Fein had been in place.
  • 1 month: The duration of the I.R.A.'s ceasefire in its battle against British rule in Northern Ireland.
  • 2: The number of times the White House had to waive the ban on visas for representatives of terrorist organizations to allow Mr. Adams to visit the United States.
  • 1: The number of official meetings planned between Mr. Adams and senior White House officials at the State Department on Tuesday.
  • 2 weeks: The duration of Gerry Adams's tour of the United States.

Sources:

  • The New York Times (exact date not specified)
  • White House statement (exact date not specified)

Read more