Irish People 08 November 97 Via NY Transfer News Collective * All the News that Doesn't Fit The Irish People 08 November Available on Tuesdays at: http://inac.org/IrishPeople/ ********************************** A wee Fenian in Ardoyne Irish Peace Progress Report Week 7 ********************************** The Knowing shrug of a wee Fenian in Ardoyne by Christy Mac an Bhaird Just as the pundits of Washington, DC, awaken each morning to the giant obelisk erected to the man whose name the city bears, so do residents of Ardoyne in North Belfast face a monument of sorts at the sunrise. Theirs is to the occupation of their country by British forces. It's a massive British-army fort that for generations has been a daily morning jolt to justice, equality and freedom. Ardoyne is an even place, where it is possible to walk the streets, as quiet and as wide as they can be, on an early Sunday morning without interference or threat from local residents, despite Ardoyne's international reputation. It can be a pleasant place, where dogs bark in the distance and children laugh in the small back alleys--and then it can be transformed in the blink of an eye. It's a place known more for men like Martin Meehan, said to be a former IRA leader in this solidly Republican enclave that is forever under a threat of sectarian attack by loyalists and under the constant watch of the English. The international reputation rides on Meehan and others, men like Larry Marley, who in death made worldwide headlines when the Royal Ulster Constabulary ran riot and forced a delay in his funeral for more than five days after he'd been shot to death by a loyalist death squad. And then there's Cormac, who is probably known to few except those whoactually live along Velsheda Park. Cormac might just be a man of destiny, one of those rises-from- the-ashes types who, having grown up under the boot of British occupation, make a magnificent contribution to peace and justice in Ireland. He also may be captured, and tortured and sent to jail. Some day he could end up dead, just another name and date in a scholarly tome few will take from a library shelf. Perhaps his baptism in injustice came back in July when, standing on a street corner, he was singled out by the RUC during what they would undoubtedly call a "riot." The witnesses will tell you that there was stone throwing, that Cormac was there, that the RUC did reach out for him, and that he fought back as best he could. Stone tossing in Ardoyne could likely be seen as a welcome relief. For years, the preferred weapon of choice was the machine gun. There's a list of Republican dead on the wall of the Sinn Fein Advice Center there, along with a monument that is frequently defaced by roving bands of British-army paratroopers who periodically invade the area in massive shows of strength. To witness the red-hatted monsters as they move along the street is a thing of wonder. Women pushing prams push on through as if the red hats are not there, while others stand in brightly painted doorways, looking on with hands on hip, watching every red-hatted step taken. Also near the Center, there's a list of local men who are currently in jail for breaking the queen's rules, those rules that give the red hats permission to walk the streets of Ireland as if they owned them. On a recent visit to Ardoyne, some Americans got a taste of the red-hatted invasion. On a Monday morning, the red hats came from the outskirts of little Ardoyne in their armored cars, and from overhead in their armor-plated helicopters, dropping in uninvited and unwanted into the quiet of the summer morning. Cormac might have seen them, but then he might still have been in bed, having been up most of the night celebrating the liberation of Ardoyne, at least in the minds of those who actually live there. Thousands had traveled from near and far to the football pitch across from the Shamrock Bar to celebrate their Irishness in a land still represented by members of the British Parliament. Back in July, Cormac's run-in with the RUC had resulted in a bit of name calling. He was referred to as a "fat b--" and a "Fenian," and there were marks on hisbody where a burly RUC man had grabbed him at the shoulder and dug his fingernails into flesh. A woman at the corner said she saw the RUC go after Cormac, who was standing alone at the back of a group of teenagers who were tossing stones and bricks at the RUC. She said that the RUC singled him out, went right over the heads of the bigger lads who had fallen to the pavement, and grabbed Cormac at the collar. Shestepped in and prevented the RUC from taking him to the barracks. The official documents were laid out on the kitchen table in the small house at the end of the road for the Americans to inspect. The RUC were saying they would charge Cormac with disorderly conduct and then would go after the mother and father. Cormac's lawyer has told the parents that they could be charged. Cormac stood next to his little sister, Cliodhna, and shrugged his shoulders. They call her Cliodhna after an Irish princess. Cormac, of course, is the name of an ancient Irish king. When asked what he thinks, Cormac just shrugs, but not as if he doesn't care; he can see the concern in his mother's eyes. His is the shrug that always follows questions that seem impossible to answer, the shrug that's universal among6-year-old boys like Cormac, be they from North Belfast or North America, a shrug that will no doubt drive his tormentors to distraction. _________________________________________ Sinn Fiin Capitol Hill * Washington, DC IRISH PEACE NEGOTIATIONS PROGRESS REPORT Week Seven The seventh week of negotiations opened on a somber footing following a weekend troubled by loyalist in-fighting and factionalism, resulting in one death. At their annual party conference, claims by David Trimble and other UUP leaders to possess a veto on any negotiated settlement and promises to remain an obstacle in the talks, further heightened tension within the nationalist community. By weeks close, however, spirits were lifted by Mary McAleeses landslide victory in the Irish Presidential election. The first northern Nationalist as Head of State, President-elect McAleese promised to be a president for all the people of Ireland and a bridge builder for the future. The following is a summary of the weeks events: 25 October 1997: Loyalist bomb kills one Following the announcement of the Combined Loyalists Military Command, a car bomb planted by a rival loyalist group kills one loyalist in Bangor. 25 October 1997: The unionist veto At the UUPs annual conference, leader David Trimble tells his audience that This veto means that everything must pass through the Ulster Unionist Party talks team before it goes to the people in a referendum.....The final remaining obstacle in their way was our veto in the talks. Accusing both governments of pandering to Sinn Fiin, Trimble criticized the Irish Governments request for a new Bloody Sunday inquiry, discounting the tragedy as squaddies who were trying to do their duty in difficult circumstances. 26 October 1997: Trimbles hypocrisy Commenting on the weekends events, Sinn Fiin Party Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin accused Mr. Trimble of double-standards: David Trimbles silence on both these events exposes the hypocrisy of the Ulster Unionist leaders claim that he will not talk to those he believes are involved in violence but will use them in order to exercise the veto.....He will have no difficulty about sitting down with the self-admitted representatives of loyalist organizations, the UDA, UFF and UVF. 27 October 1997: Challenge to Trimble Sinn Fiin President Gerry Adams said the UUP leaders refusal to properly engage in the talks has had the knock-on effect of detaching sections of loyalism and unionism from the process and challenged Mr. Trimble to give constructive, positive leadership to unionism at this time. Calling the Bangor bombing and CLMCs collapse worrying Martin McGuinness MP, Sinn Fiins Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness pointed out that the nationalist population in particular are always more vulnerable at a time when Unionism is unsure. The MP advised all nationalists, particularly in isolated areas, to be extra vigilant. In Strands One and Two of the peace talks, Sinn Fiin offered their proposal for new arrangements to maximise local democracy, address the special needs, interests and conditions in the different regions and in the interest of all the people of Ireland. Peace in Ireland: Freedom, Justice, Democracy, Equality No negotiated outcome is either pre-determined or excluded in advance or limited by anything other than the need for agreement. Sinn Fiins submission.....is clearly set in the context of our preferred option on the issues of sovereignty, partition and the constitutional status of the six-counties.....in the context of a unitary, politically independent, sovereign all-Ireland state. Maximum decentralisation of government structures to maximise local democracy, to include Community, District and Regional Councils. A National Parliament must arbitrate between the needs of the nation as a whole and the special interests of the different regions. To include special links between Ireland and Britain and Europe. Ongoing democratization with provisions for a regular review of mechanisms. 28 October 1997: Claims on the north In a four-hour meeting during Strand Two negotiations, clashes erupted between the Irish Government and the Unionist delegations over any cross-border executive powers. Dismissing the Irish Governments proposals as over-ambitious and unrealistic Unionists delegates said: The expectations of the Irish minority are far too high. Irish Foreign Minister David Andrews stated that a North/South body would be essential in establishing a balance of allegiance on the island and that Dublin was committed to being fair, bold and innovative. Emerging from Stormont, Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness MP accused Unionists of burying their head in the sand. From the contributions that have been made thus far, many of us are now wondering whether or not the Ulster Unionists are serious about negotiating a settlement to this conflict. Unionists also accused the SDLP delegation of adopting a hardline position. Details from the Parades Commissions new guidelines included Secretary Mowlams authority to decide on parade applications. Pending a closer study by his party, Sinn Fiin six-county Chairperson Gerry s hIara said: Communities have to retain the right to say no to provocative and disruptive parades. 29 October 1997: Essential negotiating conditions In an interview, former South African president, F.W. de Klerk described some the the successful policies adopted by protagonists in the South African peace process as vital to a lasting settlement. Mr. de Klerk considered a need for personal contact both private and public between negotiators and a change in mindset on all sides to be two of the most positive factors to move the negotiations forward. Participating in the interview was Sinn Fiin Chairperson Mitchel McLaughlin, who later said: His remarks are particularly appropriate at this time for the leaders of the Unionist parties. I also believe that the success we will experience here will be due, in large measure, to the adoption of Mr. de Klerks guidelines. 30 October 1997: Governments must not be bullied In a statement, Mitchell McLaughlin responded to remarks by David Trimble: There is a heavy onus on the British and Irish governments not to allow themselves to be bullied by the Unionists. David Trimble, who has refused to engage properly in the talks at Stormont, must not be allowed to dictate the course of negotiations. Earlier that evening, the Unionist leader had demanded that cooperation between the two governments be withheld pending changes to Articles 2 and 3 of the Irish Constitution, and claimed that Irish Foreign Minister David Andrews participation in the talks marks another continuity with the failed 1992 talks. 31 October 1997: First Belfast Catholic girl as Head of State Following the biggest victory by any presidential election candidate, President-elect Mary McAleese promised to be the best President I can be and appealed for a softening of the harsh language in northern politics. Sweeping the election with 58.7% of the vote in the second count, Mrs. McAleese broke Eamon deValeras previous record. With 41.3% the vote, Ms. Banotti ran a distant second place. The inauguration is scheduled for November 11. Opinions on Ms. McAleeses victory split along the political divide: Sinn Fiin President Gerry Adams said I believe that Mary McAleeses Presidential term will see great challenges for all the people of this island. Her election success was a stunning achievement. DUP deputy leader, Peter Robinson called the new President a belligerent nationalist and said the South now has a President who pleases the Provos. UUP security spokesman, Ken Maginnis said I think this will make it easier for unionists to explain why there is little real prospect of closer ties. Other news: Upon concluding his ten-day visit, senior UN official Mr. Dato Param Cumaraswamy said there seems to be truth to allegations of RUC harassment and intimidation of defence lawyers in the north. The UN special Rapporteur called for an independent judicial inquiry into the 1989 loyalist murder of human rights solicitor Pat Finucane. Mr. Cumaraswamy stressed that these were his immediate preliminary observations and that his final report will be submitted to the UN Commission on Human Rights in the New Year. Receipt of a RUC report that certain witnesses would no longer be available, charges were dropped against three Portadown men accused of beating Robert Hamill to death last May. Leaving the court amid cheers, the three men were told by Resident Magistrate McKibon that It has been a terrible ordeal for all three of you. Three other local people are still charged with the murder. First Lady Hillary Rodham-Clinton arrived in Belfast on a one-day visit. Mrs. Clinton delivered a lecture at the University of Ulster, in memory of a deceased Belfast community worker. In her address, the First Lady said When the people want peace, it is the obligation of political leaders to find the common ground where it can thrive. That requires compromise and reconciliation. Later that day Mrs. Clinton received a standing ovation during her final engagement at a youth conference in the Waterfront Hall. The House International Relations Committee passed the Human Rights Resolution on Northern Ireland by a nearly unanimous vote, with only one opposition vote. The U.S. House panel urged negotiators in northern Ireland to set up an independent truth commission to investigate human rights abuses. The recommendation was included in a resolution condemning illegal, unjust and inhuman violence by paramilitary groups as well as by agents of the British government. It also recommended a truly independent mechanism to review complaints of abuses by the RUC and security forces, a ban on plastic bullets and repeal of Emergency legislation limiting human rights. The Resolution is sponsored by Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) and co-sponsored by International Relations Committee Chairman Benjamin Gilman (R-NY). The Resolution will now go up for a Full House vote. Debate Must Accept United Ireland Question The following are excerpts from Mitchel McLaughlins Debate must accept united Ireland question published in The Irish Times 31 October 97. Will there be a united Ireland? Ask this question of any nationalist in any part of Ireland (and the Diaspora) and they will answer: Yes, I strongly believe that there will be a united Ireland. The debate on whether a united Ireland is currently on the political horizon is often characterised by disagreement about when and how this is likely to develop, not if it is going to happen. The question must be comprehensively answered. Only when that happens will it be possible to avoid the zero-sum conundrum. The issue of when and how a united Ireland might emerge should be addressed separately and subsequently. This approach to the core political issue would create a non-threatening opportunity for all sections of society to participate in a democratic consideration of this crucial matter. Democratic opinion must seek to change British government policy from one of upholding the Union to one of ending the Union. Social and economic harmonisation has emphasised the impracticality of two systems of government on such a small island.....Nationalist and republicans must seek to convince unionists that a united Ireland is the desirable and inevitable outcome of global, European and national developments. The effective deadline of May 1998 is a realistic timetable to establish sufficient consensus on future democratic goals.....The challenge will be to build an agreement and constitutional framework that will address the long-term political needs of Freedom, Justice, Democracy, Equality and Peace. ================================================================= NY Transfer News Collective * A Service of Blythe Systems Since 1985 - Information for the Rest of Us 339 Lafayette St., New York, NY 10012 http://www.blythe.org e-mail: nyt@blythe.org ================================================================= nytire-11.07.97-08:36:59-28826