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Politicians Discuss Conflict in Northern Ireland

Irish Speakers Emphasize Need for Integrated Education and Strengthened Politcal Parties

Atwood also said "the moral bravery of both nationalists and loyalists" is "the truth" about what is occurring in Ireland today, not the images of chaos and violence portrayed by the media.

Both speakers also praised American efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and terms of peace. Atwood also lauded President Clinton's encour- agement to "take risks for peace because America will stand by those who take risks for peace."

"A time will come when America will have to take this risk through public exhortation and private persuasion and will have to help Ireland find peace," he said.

Audience members had mixed reactions to the speakers' remarks.

"I am concerned over the extent of the commitment that they will really put in the democratic process they both claim to be working towards," said Joseph G. Cleeman '98.

Sarah Dunford '98, who is writing her thesis on the peace process in Northern Ireland and is from Boston, was enthusiastic about the speakers.

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"I was interested to hear the Unionist side of the debate which is never heard around here, and was encouraged by their reasonable views," she said

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