WHEREAS:

The hopes of peace lovers throughout the world were raised when a cease fire was proclaimed by the IRA with expectation that the British Government would respond with movement towards peace; and

WHEREAS:

President Clinton offered the full support of the United States and the American people in the struggle towards peace, including assistance in economic development and involvement of the prestigious commission headed by Senator Mitchell to seek out ways to peace; and

WHEREAS:

Despite general acceptance by thoughtful observers of the process recommended by the Mitchell Commission, the British government has rejected the reasonable approach to peace proposed by the Mitchell Commission thus maintaining a position that has continued almost as long as the cease fire has been in effect; and

WHEREAS:

In apparent response to the lack of movement toward peace by the British government the IRA has terminated its cease fire and has accepted responsibility for an attack in London that has left at least one person dead and scores wounded; and

WHEREAS:

All peace-loving people in the world must condemn bombing attacks and any violence that inevitably involve innocent persons and that in no way can advance the cause of peace, while at the same time we must also condemn the refusal of the British government to accept reasonable and widely-supported processes aimed at getting all parties of the.dispute in Northern Ireland to the bargaining table.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:

The AFSCME International Executive Board expresses its sorrow and horror at the resumption of bombing attacks and other violence in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, whether perpetrated by the IRA, British military authorities or Ulster unionists; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:

The AFSCME International Executive Board urges the British Government to reexamine its refusal to accept the positive and reasonable recommendations of the Mitchell Commission as a way to a peaceful solution to the Irish problems; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:

The A.FSCMIE International Executive Board calls for resumed discussions with Sinn Fein and Hume at the ministerial level so that the road to Peace may be pursued again; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:

The AFSCME International Executive Board urges the Sinn Fein, Hume's party, the British Government and Ulster unionists to reaffirm their commitment that violence and terrorism cannot contribute to the peace process in Northern Ireland, and that all parties begin negotiations as soon as possible; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT:

Copies of this resolution be referred to the Executive Council of the AFL-CIO with a request it support this statement and take all appropriate measures to disseminate it widely and thereby help develop a consensus for peace in Northern Ireland.