Clinton Visit to Washington Sparks Concern Over Gerry Adams Meeting

A tense diplomatic situation has emerged as American assurances that President Clinton will not meet Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams during a planned visit to Washington later this month have failed to ease British concerns. Prime Minister John Major is contemplating sending a senior minister or politician to counter Adams's anticipated publicity-grabbing activities in the United States. The broadcasting ban on Sinn Fein has been lifted, and a referendum on any political settlement in Northern Ireland is to be held, following a series of hectic events culminating in Major's promise to Adams.

British officials deny that the Americans have granted an unconditional visa to Adams, citing the ongoing Haiti situation. Britain had preferred the visa not to be granted due to pressure from Congress, but Major has accepted that an unconditional refusal will be difficult. Diplomatic channels have been used to convey to Clinton that any visit by Adams should serve to further the peace process rather than hinder it. Britain would ideally like Adams to renounce violence, as the government has been demanding, and for the U.S. to insist on this.

There is also talk of sending a Unionist representative to America, with the aim of presenting a balanced view on the issue, considering the reception of the Unionist cause by the Irish-American population. Available Unionist leaders such as Douglas Hurd, the Foreign Secretary, and Sir Patrick Mayhew, the Northern Ireland Secretary, are deemed unsuitable for this task. Mr. Major's plan is to meet the Irish Prime Minister, Albert Reynolds, later in October, but it is uncertain whether the framework document for renewed talks between the parties will be finalized by then.

Key Takeaways:

The American Administration has assured the British government that President Clinton will not meet Gerry Adams during his planned visit to Washington.
Prime Minister John Major is contemplating sending a senior politician or ministerial envoy to counter Adams's anticipated publicity-grabbing activities in the United States.
The broadcasting ban on Sinn Fein has been lifted, and a referendum on any political settlement in Northern Ireland is to be held.
Britain would have preferred Mr. Adams's visa not to be granted due to pressure from Congress, but Major accepts that an unconditional refusal will be difficult.
Diplomatic channels have been used to convey to Clinton that any visit by Adams should serve to further the peace process rather than hinder it.
Britain would ideally like Adams to renounce violence, as the government has been demanding, and for the U.S. to insist on this.
A plan to send a Unionist representative to America is being considered, with the aim of presenting a balanced view on the issue.
The ideal Unionist representatives for this task include a plain-speaking politician, who could be more acceptable to the Irish-American population than high-profile figures like Douglas Hurd and Sir Patrick Mayhew.
Mr. Major's plan is to meet the Irish Prime Minister, Albert Reynolds, later in October, but it is uncertain whether the framework document for renewed talks between the parties will be finalized by then.
Hardline Unionists and Sinn Fein have condemned Albert Reynolds for his comments on Irish unity, which some see as laying the groundwork for a smooth transition to a united Ireland.

Statistics:

Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams is expected to visit the United States later this month to meet President Clinton, according to British officials.
The British government has lifted the broadcasting ban on Sinn Fein.
A referendum on any political settlement in Northern Ireland is to be held.
Britain has stated that it would prefer Adams's visa not to be granted due to pressure from Congress.

Sources:

The Times, United Kingdom
The Observer, Ireland
The Times, 1994
The British and American governments
Sinn Fein
The Democratic Unionists
The Irish Prime Minister, Albert Reynolds