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Major, John

US Commerce Secretary to Face IRA Protests at Belfast Investment Conference

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US Commerce Secretary Ron Brown will face protests from IRA supporters at an international investment conference in Belfast, where a massive foreign investment is expected to be announced. The conference, hosted by British Prime Minister John Major, aims to attract major investment to the province and build on the peace process following the IRA and protestant paramilitaries' cease-fire in September. However, Sinn Fein, the IRA's political wing, has confirmed it will not attend the conference due to a perceived snub.

Key Takeaways:

  • The international investment conference in Belfast is expected to attract almost 300 businessmen, politicians, and financiers from around the world, including 50 from the United States.
  • Sinn Fein, the IRA's political wing, has turned down an offer to attend the conference due to a perceived snub, despite an invitation from British Prime Minister John Major.
  • IRA supporters plan to protest outside the conference, with Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams stating that his party has been treated as second-class citizens.
  • The British government and US Commerce Secretary Ron Brown have been working together to secure investment in Northern Ireland, with a focus on nationalist areas where unemployment is highest.
  • Hardline unionists, led by Rev. Ian Paisley, have also announced that they will boycott the conference.
  • The conference is expected to announce massive investment programs, with details being kept secret, but sources suggesting that Major will look to the US delegation and Brown to form the main plank of support for the province.

Statistics:

  • The conference is expected to attract almost 300 participants from around the world, including 50 from the United States.
  • The IRA has been responsible for hundreds of bomb attacks against economic targets, causing millions of dollars in damage and costing thousands of jobs.
  • Unemployment is highest in nationalist areas in Northern Ireland.
  • Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams stated that protests will be organized outside the conference to raise awareness on discrimination and equality.
  • The conference is expected to announce massive investment programs, with details being kept secret.

Sources:

  • "US Commerce Secretary to face IRA protests at Belfast investment conference", The Globe and Mail, Dec. 12 (no author mentioned)
  • "IRA's political wing rejects invitation to Belfast conference", Reuters, Dec. 12

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