IN ONE of his strongest statements on Northern Ireland, President Clinton has called on the IRA "to restore its ceasefire immediately" and has reaffirmed his commitment to the peace process.
He urged loyalists "to maintain their ceasefire and refrain from descending into a cycle of escalating violence".
Welcoming the resumption of multi party talks, Mr Clinton, in a statement released yesterday, urged the British and Irish governments and the leaders of the political parties "to press forward with their efforts to achieve a lasting settlement that will ensure peace, justice, prosperity and opportunity the people they represent".
The President said he was"proud of the contribution that Senator George Mitchell and his two co chairmen are making to these important negotiations".
White House officials said the President wanted to show he was still deeply committed to the Northern Ireland peace process as he entered his second term. The incoming National Security Adviser, Mr Sandy Berger, was involved in the drafting of the President's statement.
Saying he was "deeply outraged by the end of the IRA ceasefire which threatens to plunge Northern Ireland into a senseless spiral of violence", Mr Clinton went on: "As we start a new year, I call again on the IRA to restore its cease fire immediately.
"I have always believed that the Belfast talks will have a better chance of success if all the elected parties, including Sinn Fein, are ate the table, but that can only happen if the IRA declares and implements a ceasefire in both words and deeds. I remain convinced that, if such an action is taken substantive and inclusive talks would soon follow."
Recalling his visit to Northern Ireland over a year ago, Mr Clinton said he saw then that "an overwhelming majority of the people yearn for a just and lasting settlement and an end to the conflict that has divided them for so long.
"I am committed to supporting the courageous people of both traditions who are working toward that goal."
He said the "sectarian clashes during the summer revealed again the depth of suspicion and animosity between the two communities of Northern Ireland. When we look back in another year's time, I, pray that we will call to mind images of hope and promise, reconciliation and peace in Northern Ireland."