Bill Clinton: “Tony Blair of the United Kingdom in Denver June 21, 1997 Northern Ireland Peace Process Q. [Inaudible]--reaction to the…”

“Tony Blair of the United Kingdom in Denver June 21, 1997 Northern Ireland Peace Process Q. [Inaudible]--reaction to the bombing today, especially after you offered Sinn Fein a place at the table? Prime Minister Blair. Well, obviously, this is another appalling terrorist act, and it simply underlines the need for peace and to move this process forward, and that the longer we go on with these acts of terrorism, the less prospect there is of doing what everyone in Northern Ireland wants to happen, which is to get a lasting political settlement based on democratic and nonviolent means. And what is essential is for Sinn Fein and everyone else to realize that if they want to be part of that process, they have got to engage in purely democratic means. Now, that has been clear all the way through, it is clear now, and it is not right to make the people of Northern Ireland wait any longer for the lasting political settlement they want to achieve. Q. Mr. President, do you have a reaction? Q. Do you have any specific information--you say it was an act of terrorism--specific information on who caused it? President Clinton. Let me answer your question first. First of all, you know this is something that I attach great importance to, and I have been very encouraged by the approach that Prime Minister Blair has made. We have supported consistently the efforts of the British and the Irish Governments to bring peace. I was appalled at the murders of the two officers just a few days ago.…”