New Era of Peace Dawns on Northern Ireland as IRA Announces End to Violence

The 25-year campaign of violence by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) has finally come to an end, with the organization announcing it will pursue the path of peace. This watershed moment has been hailed by President Clinton as a crucial step towards a lasting peace in Northern Ireland. In a statement, President Clinton welcomed the IRA's decision, citing the joint efforts of Prime Ministers Albert Reynolds of Ireland and John Major of the United Kingdom as instrumental in bringing about this day.

Key Takeaways:

• The IRA has officially ended its 25-year campaign of violence, marking a significant shift towards peace in Northern Ireland.
• President Clinton has welcomed the IRA's decision, expressing hope that it will lead to a lasting and just peace in Northern Ireland.
• The US has contributed to the process of reconciliation, with President Clinton praising the joint efforts of Prime Ministers Reynolds and Major.
• The Anglo-Irish agreement of 1985 and the historic joint declaration of December 1993 have laid the foundation for the new era of peace.
• President Clinton has urged the IRA to fulfill its promise to end the use of violence and for all parties to support a negotiated settlement to the conflict.
• The US remains committed to assisting in advancing the process of peace in Northern Ireland.

Statistics:

• 25 years: The duration of the IRA's campaign of violence.
• 1985: The year the Anglo-Irish agreement was signed.
• December 1993: The month the historic joint declaration was made.
• 2: The number of prime ministers cited by President Clinton as instrumental in bringing about the IRA's decision (Prime Ministers Albert Reynolds and John Major).

Sources:

• "August 31, 1994" - Statement by President Clinton welcoming the IRA's decision.
• "Welcoming Today's Watershed Announcement" - Statement by President Clinton/August 31, 1994.
• "The historical joint declaration" - December 1993
• "The Anglo-Irish agreement" - 1985