Easter Peace Accord Signed in Northern Ireland!

(Good Friday, April 10, 1998)- The two-year-old peace talks in Northern Ireland finally produced a settlement this afternoon after an imposed deadline forced a 32-hour marathon debate among the parties.

Weary, but determined delegates from 2 countries and 8 different political factions signed off on the agreement which would, if ratified, establish self-rule for Northern Ireland, which has been under direct British control for 26 years. It would also create historic cooperation with the independent Republic of Ireland to the south.

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern sees ahead "the prospect of a radical transformation of relationships" on an island that's seen terrorist warfare in the streets for 30 years. Former U.S. Senator, George Mitchell, the pivotal leader of the talks said, "Today's agreement and the institutions that will follow... say to men of violence, your way will not solve the problems. Let's get into a democratic dialogue involving everyone."

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Mr. Ahern had arrived to give a needed push to the talks, in near-collapse three days ago, and President Clinton telephoned at several key points, even at 3:30 in the morning, urging several of the participants toward a resolution.

The Protestant (unionist) majority won assurances that Northern Ireland would remain under British authority until a majority of voters consented otherwise. And they will enjoy a clear majority in the new 108-member council created for their self-governance.

The Catholic nationalists, who want to rejoin the Irish Republic, have been a minority burdened by prejudice. They would receive a declaration of equality and mutual respect and participation in both a new north/south "ministerial council" and newly-established cross-border discussions with the Republic that would involve a range of issues like transportation and tourism.