THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary ________________________________________________________________________ For Immediate Release April 19, 1994 STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY Yesterday Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Anthony Lake met with James Molyneaux and other leaders of the Ulster Unionist Party of Northern Ireland. Mr. Lake and Mr. Molyneaux discussed recent events and next steps in the effort to bring peace to Northern Ireland. Mr. Lake underscored the importance of the work of Mr. Molyneaux and other Ulster Unionists to oppose violence -- whatever its source -- and to contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The two discussed the need to encourage all who have yet to do so to renounce violence. Mr. Molyneaux reviewed developments since the issuance of the Joint Declaration and how to move the peace process forward, including the current efforts through bilateral talks to achieve political progress. Mr. Lake reiterated the firm U.S. belief that the Joint Declaration offers the best framework within which peace and reconciliation can be achieved in Northern Ireland. The two agreed to stay in touch on how best to achieve that goal.