Benjamin Gilman: “Mr. Crowley's resolution on the Northern Ireland peace process is noncontroversial and worthy of everybody's full and…”

“Mr. Crowley's resolution on the Northern Ireland peace process is noncontroversial and worthy of everybody's full and strong support. It is also very timely. I congratulate the gentleman from New York, Mr. Crowley, for his efforts. The Irish peace process today needs a little more encouragement, as it has once again run into some obstacles in Belfast. It is worthwhile praising the tireless and courageous efforts of British Prime Minister Blair, and Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern, and former Senator George Mitchell on the Good Friday peace accord. I have done so myself on many occasions. President Clinton, I am also proud to say, has always had strong bipartisan support here in the Congress on his own efforts to find lasting peace and justice in Northern Ireland. I urge that he and our nation stay fully involved to help see the process through to lasting peace and justice in the north. However, today we still see the old 'unionist veto' in play. Once again the issue of arms decommissioning is being used to prevent the establishment of the cabinet executive as provided for in the Good Friday accord.”