PRESIDENT Clinton has called on the IRA to restore its ceasefire to allow Sinn Fein to participate in Monday's negotiations. He said his "hopes and prayers" are with the elected representatives as "they begin to forge a bright and prosperous future for the children of both of Ireland's vibrant traditions.
A White House spokesman confirmed that the administration is still "in active contact" with Sinn Fein and the other parties and "they are well aware of our views".
Hailing the agreement between the two governments as another historic step towards a brighter future for the people", the President pledged the US would "continue to stand" with the parties in the negotiations.
Senator George Mitchell also issued a brief statement saying he had accepted the invitation of the two governments.
"I will meet my responsibilities in a totally fair and impartial manner. It is my hope that this process will lead to lasting peace and reconciliation", he said from New York.
President Clinton's longer statement followed telephone calls he made to the British Prime Minister, Mr John Major, and the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, congratulating them on their agreement.
Mr Clinton spoke for almost 10 minutes on the telephone with Mr Bruton after last night's announcement. The President wished Mr Bruton and the Tanaiste, Mr Spring, every success in advancing the talks.
A spokesman for Mr Bruton said he gave the President a full briefing on the current position and thanked him for making Senator Mitchell available.
A White House source said Mr Bruton had been "very grateful" for the work not only of the President but of his national security adviser, Mr Anthony Lake.
The full text of the President's statement is as follows. Today's announcement by the British and Irish Governments on the arrangements for the June 10th negotiations on Northern Ireland marks another historic step towards a brighter future for the people. I welcome this agreement, which will enable the negotiation of a comprehensive and lasting settlement to the conflict that has plagued generations.
"I commend Prime Ministers Major and Bruton for the perseverance and determination that they have shown in the cause of peace. I have just spoken with them both and once again I am impressed by their commitment to the peace process.
"From the Downing Street Declaration of December 1993 to the Joint Framework Documents of February 1995 and the Joint Communique of February 28th of this year, the two governments have worked tirelessly to establish the foundation for successful talks.
"I am pleased that Senator George Mitchell has agreed to chair the plenary session of the talks. I know that he and his colleagues, Gen John de Chastelain and Mr Harri Holkeri, will again make a major contribution to the peace process.
"With the start of the talks on June 10th, the parties have a real chance to set aside the past and negotiate a future of hope and promise, justice and peace. This is something only they can do.
"But I want them to know that the United States will continue to stand with them as they work to make that dream a reality. I call once again for a restoration of the IRA ceasefire which will enable the talks to be fully inclusive.
"The success of these talks will depend on the vision and generosity of spirit of the elected representatives of the people. My hopes and prayers are with them as they begin to forge a bright and prosperous future for the children of both of Ireland's vibrant traditions."