DECLARING that the Northern Ireland peace effort is at a "historic juncture", the US administration has urged the parties to seize the opportunity of the proposed elections to advance the process.
"The administration welcomes the British government's announcement of an election in Northern Ireland to a forum leading to substantive talks on June 10th", the White House said in a statement dated March 21st and faxed to the press yesterday.
"This represents another step forward to the goal we all seek - all party talks aimed at a just and lasting settlement to the conflict in Northern Ireland", said the statement front President Clinton's press secretary.
The White House statement appears aimed at encouraging the nationalist parties to accept the electoral process, and will be welcome by the British government, which the administration credits, along with the Irish Government, with working "diligently" to advance the democratic process.
"The talks on June 10th have the clear objective of reaching a comprehensive negotiated settlement as quickly as possible," the statement said. "We recognise, as do the British and Irish governments, that no party will find the arrangements for the election and forum ideal. We will support the political leaders in Northern Ireland as they put aside their concerns and participate fully in the process leading to talks.
"Only through negotiation can a lust and lasting peace be achieved. The steps announced today will help achieve that coal.
"The peace process in Northern Ireland is at a historic juncture. We hope that the parties will seize the opportunity to advance the process and create the bright and peaceful future the people of Northern Ireland so clearly desire and deserve. And we call again on the IRA to listen to the people and restore the ceasefire immediately. There is no place for violence in the democratic process the two governments have worked so diligently to advance."
The administration's enthusiasm for elections is not shared by President Clinton's supporters among Irish Americans, according to a letter to Mr Clinton from Americans for a New Irish Agenda.
The organisation, which grew out of "Irish Americans for Clinton Gore" in 1992, urged the President to seek guarantees from the two governments about the agenda and time frame for the talks, and to consider Senator George Mitchell as chairman of the inter party negotiations.
"The British government, with its 17 month record of squandering opportunities to begin inclusive negotiations and its dismissal of the work of the Mitchell commission, is widely distrusted by Irish nationalists, let alone the IRA," wrote the body's chairman, Mr Frank Durkan.
He also urged the US to press the British government to take symbolic actions designed to build trust, such as the transfer of the dying IRA prisoner, Patrick Kelly, from Northern Ireland to the Republic.