The Clinton administration's decision to suspend deportation proceedings against six Northern Ireland men who had been convicted of IRA activities has been welcomed here. The decision is seen as a "confidence-building measure" taken at President Clinton's personal initiative and linked with Sinn Fein's acceptance of the Mitchell Principles in Belfast yesterday.
The Department of Justice said that "acting on a formal request from the Secretary of State (Ms Madeleine Albright), the Attorney General (Ms Janet Reno) today suspended the removal proceedings of certain Irish nationals who have engaged in activity on behalf of the Irish Republican Army".
Ms Albright indicated that "a suspension of proceedings could contribute to the peace process in Northern Ireland".
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Burke, last night welcomed the announcement, saying it was further evidence of confidence building measures.
The Sinn Fein leader, Mr Gerry Adams, lobbied on behalf of the men and their American families while in Washington last week. Members of Congress from both the Democratic and Republican parties have also urged the Clinton Administration to drop the deportation hearings.
The six men are not being sought by the British authorities as they had served their sentences before entering the US. But under new anti-terrorist laws here, the men were liable to deportation because they concealed their convictions.
It has been noted here by associates of the men that the "suspension" is not described as permanent and could leave them liable to deportation in the future.
The six men are Robert McErlean, Matthew Morrison, Gabriel Megahey, Brian Pearson, Noel Gaynor and Gerald McDade.