Sir, - I remember the day in 1994 when the IRA called a cessation of violence and then, later, when the loyalist paramilitaries responded in kind. It Was a time of great hope. After 25 years of violence, for the following 17 months the people of Northern Ireland could move more safely through their streets.
Unfortunately, both the Governments in Britain and Ireland failed to grasp the opportunity. Because of the arrogance and hypocrisy of the British Government and its all-important interest in political expediency, and because of the weakness off our own, the chance for peace was lost. What we're left with is two governments claiming the high moral ground.
Nelson Mandela, on the other hand, speaks with moral authority. Recently he has visited Britain and received many honours. He is also a Freeman of Dublin. It would be a far greater tribute to him, and service to the people of an Ireland, if both governments listened to the words that he wrote in his autobiography The Long Road to Freedom: "To make peace with an enemy, one must work with that enemy and that enemy becomes your partner."
After 35 years of civil war and horrific violence here in Guatemala, the leaders of the guerrilla movement and the URNG are sitting down together and negotiating peace. We hope that it will be signed this year. Thank God, neither side is charging for the `high' moral ground. - Yours, etc.,
Zacualpa Quiche, Guatemala.