THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
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For Immediate Release
December 11, 2000
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I strongly support the Attorney General?s decision, at the request of
the Secretary of State, to take action to terminate deportation proceedings
against six individuals, and to refrain from initiating proceedings against
three others. All nine individuals had served sentences in the United
Kingdom for activity connected with the IRA, but are physically present in
the United States. While in no way approving or condoning their past
criminal acts, I believe that removing the threat of deportation for these
individuals will contribute to the peace process in Northern Ireland. The
Attorney General?s decision is consistent with steps taken by the British
government under the Good Friday Accord to release prisoners in Northern
Ireland and reintegrate them into normal society as part of a process of
reconciliation. Her decision will also reinforce efforts by the
governments and the parties in Northern Ireland to implement in full all
aspects of the Good Friday Accord.
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