Sinn Fein Leader Granted U.S. Visa
With the Northern Ireland peace process at a crossroad, President Clinton approved a U.S. visa Friday for IRA ally Gerry Adams but barred him from raising money in America.
In granting the St. Patrick’s Day visit, the White House sternly urged the IRA to end the latest round of bloodshed. “The cease-fire needs to be restored--now,” spokesman Mike McCurry said.
The visa will let Adams spend his second St. Patrick’s Day in the United States.
“The reason for giving him that visa is to advance the very peace process that we believe now holds out such promise,” McCurry said.
Clinton’s decision came two days after the British and Irish governments set a June 10 date for peace negotiations. In an olive branch to the Irish Republican Army, its political ally--Adams’ Sinn Fein party--will be allowed to participate in the talks if the IRA resumes its cease-fire.
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