Barbara Kennelly: “on this St. Patrick's Day, we have an historic opportunity to achieve peace in a long-troubled part of the…”

“on this St. Patrick's Day, we have an historic opportunity to achieve peace in a long-troubled part of the world--Northern Ireland. No one here labors under any illusions that this road to peace is easy; it will take determination and discipline by all involved. Yet at the very least, a dialog aimed at peace has begun. In this brief window of opportunity, the United States should urge all involved parties to work toward a just, lasting, and peaceful resolution. We can help by appointing a special envoy. Yes, many in Ireland and Britain, including governmental leaders, are wary of an affirmative United States role. Yet I believe it will take help from outside of Britain and Ireland to assist the parties in reaching a politically viable agreement. A special envoy need not be charged to accomplish too much too fast; instead, the envoy could serve to make clear the United States' willingness to be of assistance--just as other U.S. officials have assisted in other parts of the world. Great hopes were born last September when ancient adversaries agreed to work toward Middle East peace; these hopes persist, despite the recent terrible violence. As we have consistently supported the Middle East peace process, so we can support the peace process in Northern Ireland.”