On the recordJanuary 30, 2007
Earlier this week, we witnessed a breakthrough in the peace process in Northern Ireland. Sinn Fein agreed to the legitimacy of the police service there, and in doing so, they made a strong statement about their future in the north of Ireland. They chose peace over violence and the rule of law over chaos. I have had the privilege of visiting Northern Ireland on a number of occasions. I was there to monitor the parades, and I was lucky enough to accompany President Clinton on a trip there. In each case, I saw great things along with terrible things, but always the hope of the people that one day there would be peace and understanding in their great country. Thanks to no small part to Special Envoy George Mitchell and efforts that we as a nation should be proud of, the 20th century saw the cessation of violence and the beginning of political equality.
Source
govinfo.gov
