HEARINGS on human rights in Northern Ireland will be held later this year by the 105th US Congress, which opens today. A Bill will also be introduced soon to give the MacBride Principles on non discrimination in Northern Ireland the force of US law.
These actions have been promised by the chairman of the House International Relations Committee, Mr Ben Gilman, who spearheads the efforts of the Republican Parc majority to be involved in Northern Ireland affairs.
Speaking yesterday at an ecumenical breakfast at the White House, President Clinton mentioned Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Rwanda as areas of ethnic strife which will continue to preoccupy the US in the coming year.
In a statement to Irish American Republicans, Mr Gilman said: "The Irish vote in America is one neither party can take for granted." The Irish had "provided much to our nation's security, culture and prosperity" so "we have an obligation to help lead and to maintain a strong US role in the struggle for lasting peace and justice in Ireland.
The hearings will deal with such matters as the use of plastic bullets and the non jury Diplock courts.