THERE must be an "unequivocal" restoration of the IRA ceasefire, the US ambassador to London, Admiral William Crowe, said in a lecture in Belfast yesterday. But he added that no "artificial barriers" should be raised at the negotiating table.
"Let me make plain the American view," he said. "There must be an unequivocal restoration of the IRA ceasefire. There can be no room at the negotiating table for those who seek to gain their objectives by other than peaceful and democratic means.
"But neither should artificial barriers be raised at the table which prohibit open and honest negotiations on the full range of issues.
"The terms of discussion are a matter for the two governments and the parties themselves to work out. President Clinton has made clear that the United States will do all it can to support those who labour in the cause of peace", said the ambassador.
Admiral Crowe's lecture was part of a series to mark the bicentenary of the opening of the US consulate in Belfast. He and the Northern Ireland Secretary, Sir Patrick May hew, also jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque at the consulate, which is in Queen Street. It was only the sixth consulate established by the young American republic.
In a congratulatory message, President Clinton said. "My visit to Northern Ireland last year reminded me in a very personal way of the warm and wonderful friendship that exists between our peoples. We are united, as we were 200 years ago, by a common heritage and common democratic ideals.
"As we celebrate this bicentennial date, the US will continue to stand with the people of Northern Ireland and support their efforts to achieve a future of peace, prosperity and promise for themselves and their children."
The President said the consulate in Belfast was "one of our historic overseas posts". When it was established in 1796, the US was still a very young nation. "Our consulate general in Belfast, continuously open for 200 years, is a symbol of the value we place on those enduring ties and of our commitment to strengthening them."