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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release March 30, 1994

                 Statement by the Press Secretary
        on the IRA's Announcement of a Temporary Ceasefire
                       in Northern Ireland

The Administration has followed closely recent events in Northern Ireland and we have done what we can to promote an end to the violence and a negotiated settlement to the conflict that has taken over 3,000 lives in the last two decades. We have repeatedly urged all those who seek to promote their political goals through violent means to renounce violence and join the peaceful political process.

While we welcome any lessening of violence, the President has repeatedly urged the IRA and Sinn Fein to renounce violence and accept the Joint Declaration. We again urge a permanent end to all violence and call on the IRA and Sinn Fein to accept the Joint Declaration and join the peace process in Northern Ireland. We hope today's announcement of a three-day cessation of hostilities can be a step in that direction.

The United States remains ready to assist in any appropriate way the work of the Irish and British governments in their search for peace.

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