Minister Andrews praises Sen. George Mitchell's role as NI Talks Chairman
Minister Andrews praises Sen. George Mitchell's role as NI Talks Chairman
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr David Andrews, T.D., and the Minister of State,
Ms Liz O'Donnell, T.D., today met a US Congressional Delegation who are on a visit to Ireland.
In his remarks to the US group, Mr Andrews said that the "strong links of kinship between Ireland and the United States have been reinforced in recent years by the leading role played by the US in the development of the peace process". He said that "one of the features of the current peace process is the high level of encouragement and goodwill that we have received from the international community, but especially from the United States".
Mr Andrews expressed appreciation for "the enormously supportive role played by President Clinton and his administration. His continuing personal commitment to peace in Ireland has encouraged all of us engaged in the talks to redouble our efforts to devise new political structures which can command the respect of both communities."
Mr Andrews paid particular tribute to the dedication being shown by Senator George Mitchell as Chairman of the Talks which, he said, was "one further example of the commitment of the US to a resolution of the Northern Ireland conflict". Notwithstanding the disappointment that has rightfully been expressed at the relatively slow pace of the talks to date, Mr Andrews said he was "optimistic the negotiations will get down to serious drafting on the individual elements of an agreement".
