Speaker. in recent years. world attention and pressure have brought about an end to apartheid in South Africa. a dialog between Israel and the PLO. and the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and Russia. These incredible changes. unthinkable just a few years ago. make the continuing conflict in Northern Ireland all the more tragic. and the worlds silence all the more puzzling. This is one reason why I strongly supported congressional efforts to grant Gerry Adams a visa. and why I applauded President Clintons decision to do just that. I believe that Mr. Adams visit has enhanced the process of Irish peace and reconciliation by focusing public attention on the issue and generating a healthy public debate.