Minister Burke welcomes appointment of new US Special Economic Adviser on Ireland

Minister Burke welcomes appointment of new

US Special Economic Adviser on Ireland

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Ray Burke, T.D., has warmly welcomed the appointment by President Clinton of Mr James M. Lyons as his Special Adviser for Economic Initiatives for Ireland. Mr Burke was informed of this decision during his meeting in Washington today with President Clinton's National Security Adviser, Mr Sandy Berger.

Minister Burke described the appointment of Mr Lyons as "an excellent one". Mr Lyons, he said, "has served with distinction as the United States observer on the International Fund for Ireland and has been making an important and very effective contribution to the promotion of economic development in Northern Ireland and the border counties. These efforts have been a valuable asset in the advancement of peace and reconciliation in Ireland".

Mr Burke said that "the appointment of Mr Lyons, and President Clinton's decision to release the 1997 US commitment of $19.6 to the International Fund for Ireland, provide further illustration of the deep and continuing commitment of the President and his Administration to the peace process". The Minister said that he was "very pleased to have had the opportunity of personally thanking the President and senior members of Congress from both Parties for their continuing support and engagement".Top