His visit enabled millions of Americans and others to gain a fresh insight into the conflict and the divisions it has created. Mr. Adams visit to the U.S. came after pressure was put on President Clinton to fulfill his promise in the 1992 Presidential campaign that a Clinton administration would issue a visa to the leader of Sinn Fein. We must all work together to build upon that visit by ensuring that the American public is informed about all points of view concerning the north of Ireland. While Mr. Adams brief visit was welcome. there needs to be more. The U.S. provides 7.000.000 visas a year for travel to the U.S. We have issued visas to political leaders who have been our adversaries. such as Mikhail Gorbachev. and leaders of organizations. that we have considered terrorist. such as Yassar Arafat. because we consider it in our interests to do so. If the United States is to play a constructive role in seeking a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Northern Irelandand I believe it is in our best interest to do sothen it is in our interest to permit those who hold different viewpoints on this issue to visit the United States so that the American public can hear those viewpoints. Mr. Speaker. in addition to promising a visa for Gerry Adams. Mr. Clinton make a number of other commitments to the IrishAmerican community during his 1992 presidential campaign. including support for the Mcbride Principles on Fair Employment in Northern Ireland and appointment of a United States peace envoy to Northern Ireland.
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visa visas