INTERNATIONAL May-September 2019 Irish Unity solution to chaos - Sinn Féin Vice-President Michelle O’Neill

SINN Féin organised a public debate, ‘Brexit, the and Irish Unity’ in Brighton, at a fringe meeting of the British ’s annual conference. The room was at maximum capacity with attendees spilling out into the corridor, demonstrating the marked increase in interest in the case for Irish unity. This event was chaired by Sinn Féin MP, , with other panelists including, Stephen Pound MP, Labour’s Shadow Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the north of Ireland and commentator and journalist Dawn Foster. Addressing the event Sinn Féin’s Vice President, Michelle O’Neill, said a no deal Brexit is incompatible with the ‘Good Friday Agreement’ and if it occurs then a referendum on Irish Unity offers the only solution. Michelle O’Neill said: “A no deal Brexit and the Good Friday Agreement are mutually incompatible. It’s as simple as that. “There is a deal on the table and it includes the Irish backstop which must Sinn Féin vice president Michelle O’Neill pictured at the British Labour party’s annual be maintained as an insurance policy and conference guarantee to protect peace, jobs and the all-Ireland economy and structures. seriously questioning whether there are Irish reunification the North would “In the event of a no deal Brexit, any merits of staying within the union automatically rejoin the EU. however, a referendum on a united Ireland after Brexit. “People are coming to the Irish Unity is an obvious option which must be on the “The Good Friday Agreement provides conversation not to become republicans table. a peaceful democratic pathway to Irish and nationalists, but to remain Europeans “There is a growing sense that Unity. - and the opportunity to stay in the circumstances are now rapidly changing “The issue of Irish Unity has taken on European Union, through separation from which will inevitably lead to the final a new dynamic because of Brexit. This Britain. break-up of the current constitutional cannot be ignored. “It can no longer be dismissed as a pipe structures. “The political momentum is moving in dream. “People from across this society, that direction. “Not only is this possible, but it is even those of a British identity, are now “The EU has said in the event of inevitable in the time ahead.”

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2019 SINN FÉIN AWAY DAY SInn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald’s address

A Chairde, nightmare. Brexit is a very English problem the consequences of September is a time for which must not be shifted onto refocusing. A time for Ireland. recommitting. A time for thinking As the 31st of October about the future we want to approaches and the pressure build. September is also a time mounts, neither An nor for renewal. Renewing our Michael Barnier can be blink in politics and activism. Renewing the face of Tory intransigence. our bonds of comradeship and Too much is at stake. togetherness. Renewing our Despite Mr Johnson’s claims determination to realise the goals to the contrary, the path he of those republicans who pointed is following would lead to the the way forward. reimposition of a hard border. Sinn Féin is working to deliver The British Prime Minister for all our citizens. It is not always needs to hear this: that the Irish easy. Things don’t always go the people will not allow our country, way we hope. But republicans are our communities, and our about the bigger picture. We can economy to be vandalised. take the hard knocks and face the There can be no return of a bad days. It is how we deal with hard border, no customs checks, the setbacks that defines us. no more division on this island After the recent elections, to suit the needs of British across every parish in Ireland we governments that has no interest went out and engaged with our Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD addresses activists in Ireland’s future. members, our supporters and at the Sinn Féin Away Day at Carrickcarnon. The Good Friday Agreement, those who voted for us and those the ’s agreement, who did not. And I want to say to must be defended at all costs. you that we heard what you said The Backstop, the Irish people’s and we are acting on it. insurance policy, remains the We should never underestimate bottom-line, the very minimum the scale of our cause – realising needed to protect our economic the republic. This is a big, big job interests. We understand acutely we have undertaken together. the importance of the Backstop. There are hundreds of Sinn Féin came up with the thousands of people across this solution when we proposed that island who choose Sinn Féin to the North should be designated represent them, to stand up for Special Status within the EU. them, to defend their rights and Despite the noisy rhetoric from their economic interests. They many quarters who said it believe in Sinn Féin. They trust in couldn’t be done, here we are Sinn Féin. today defending the Backstop to They know a better Ireland and the hilt. a brighter future is possible. It is The bottom-line guarantees in our job to deliver and we will not the Backstop cannot be bartered let them down not now, not ever. away. It is our job to change the course The future of our peace, of of Irish history so that prosperity our society and of our all island can be enjoyed by the many, not economy demands the political the few. Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD and Sinn Féin resolve and leadership to see Vice-President Michelle O’Neill at the Away Day in Carrickcarnon. Ireland’s interests upheld. BREXIT which we live. Our island faces be readily cast aside. It is time its greatest threat and challenge to call Mr Johnson’s fantasy what ELECTIONS And history is unfolding in in a generation. British Prime it is – profoundly stupid and profound and dramatic ways all Minister Boris Johnson follows a immeasurably dangerous. Brexit will also shape the around us. fantasy in which the rights and Mr Johnson’s stupid, dangerous context of forthcoming elections. Brexit is shaping in interests of the Irish people can fantasy cannot become Ireland’s The prospect of a Westminster

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2019 SINN FÉIN AWAY DAY SInn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald’s address

Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD with a group of Sinn Féin representatives at the Away Day in Carrickcarnon.

Election grows by the day. away during the circus of the last Policies that will make division - a future in which all our In all likelihood there will be fortnight. people’s lives better by ending communities can move forward a General Election in the South If Fianna Fáil feel differently, the rip-off and lifting the burden together. sometime in the next six months let them contest the election on and stress caused by the housing I believe that preparations for and four by-elections. Sinn Féin a go-to-Westminster platform crisis and an economy that is Irish Unity must start now. It is is ready for all of these elections. and see how they get on. Sinn rigged against them – a platform the responsible thing to do. In the North, when an election Féin are abstentionists from that offer solutions. Irish Unity cannot be the is called, we will stand on a Westminster. project of Sinn Féin alone. strong, credible anti Brexit ticket. Fianna Fáil and An Taoiseach and the Irish The DUP, for their part, will stand abstain from the North of IRISH UNITY government must become on a pro-Brexit platform. They Ireland. advocates for unity. must now know that they are We will not take lectures In all of these elections, Sinn I am very certain that the supporting an agenda that is set from the parties who looked Féin will continue to argue for ending of partition will only be on wrecking Ireland. Aligning the other way, who opted out Irish Unity as the best idea for achieved through the coming themselves with the politics of and who abandoned ’s future. together of all strands of Irish London rather than with the nationalists. They won’t lecture Unity is the positive. society. The unity of our people, politics of our communities at us and they won’t lecture Unity is progressive. unity of purpose will deliver an home spells calamity northern nationalists. Unity is a chance to realign end to partition in our time. Sinn Féin will stand on an In the South, Brexit has Irish life to harness the vast This is the type of Ireland abstentionist ticket. provided political cover for the potential and the hopes of all envisaged by those who No Irish democrat, no genuine sham Confidence and Supply those who call Ireland home. signed the proclamation. A Irish republican would ever take government of Fine Gael and The folly of the Tory Brexit truly democratic Ireland – free a seat in the British Parliament Fianna Fáil. It is a government on has given a modern shape to a and united with equality of or swear an oath to the crown. its last legs, worn down by the historical imperative - to end citizenship. It was good idea in I understand that people want weight of PR spin, having failed the involvement of the British 1916. solutions to Brexit. However, to deliver real solutions. As with government in Irish affairs. It remains our inspiration and if anybody ever believed that the forthcoming by-elections, Partition has been a disaster. our aim today. As we approach solutions for Ireland are to be Sinn Féin will be ready to fight Unity makes sense. this new political term, we renew, found at Westminster, surely the General Election on the basis It provides for a future without refocus and recommit to this that delusion has been swept of republican left policies. a border that has fostered vision.

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Trade Union support for banning trade with Occupied Territories welcomed – Ó Donnghaile

SINN Féin Senator legislation. (CWU), Unison, Unite the Union Niall Ó Donnghaile has “News that 34 and both Belfast and Trade welcomed news that trade union groups, Union Councils. 34 European trade representing millions “With the ‘Occupied Territories unions, representing of workers across Bill’ we have an unprecedented millions of workers, Europe, have called on opportunity to practically stand have called on the governments across against apartheid and war European Commission the EU and the EU crimes. and European Commission itself, to “However, despite the Bill governments to ban ban trading with illegal commanding majority support trade with illegal Senators Niall Ó Donnghaile and Frances settlements in Palestine is in the Seanad and Dáil, Fine Israeli settlements in Black, Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Ah- an important, humane and Gael are attempting to stop the Palestine. mad Abdelrazek, and Palestinian Rami Kamel democratic expression of Bill passing all the necessary Seanadóir Ó solidarity. legislative stages. Donnghaile said; Sean Crowe TD continues to “Irish signatories to the letter “Fine Gael should heed “Sinn Féin Senators voted support the legislation as it include the Irish Congress the call from the trade union to ensure the historic passage passes through Committee. of Trade Unions (ICTU), movement, do the right thing, of Senator ’s “Sinn Féin is proud to endorse Fórsa, NIPSA, Mandate, the and ensure this legislation is ‘Occupied Territories Bill’ and this pioneering and just Communications Workers Union passed as soon as possible.” Kearney expresses concern at set backs for Colombian Peace process SINN Féin National Chairperson has expressed his concern and disappointment at recent set backs for the Colombian peace process, following the announcement of a return to armed action by a small group of former FARC leaders, and the subsequent bombing of a guerilla camp by the Colombian government. The South Antrim MLA said: “It has become increasingly clear over recent months that the peace process in Colombia was under severe pressure Sinn Féin activists Gary Fleming and Conor Keenan, who recently visited Colombia in an largely due to the failure of the Colombian exchange with FARC EP organised by the Netherlands Institute for Multi Party Democra- government, under President Duque, to fully cy to share experiences of the Irish Peace Process, with representatives of FARC. implement the state’s commitments based on the terms of the 2016 Peace Agreement attacks on suspected bases will do nothing “Sinn Féin urges all parties to the Peace negotiated and agreed by President Santos. to convince the more than 90% of former Agreement to redouble their efforts and “It was a matter of deep concern that FARC activists who remain committed to the commitment to the 2016 Agreement. from the very outset of the Agreement being 2016 Peace Agreement that his government “The public statements issued by signed, right wing paramilitary death squads is genuinely wedded to the Agreement and the FARC political party making this embarked on a systematic assassination committed to meet its obligations. clear, represent leadership at a time of campaign. In the period since over 700 “These are developments which will heightened tension and danger in Colombia, former FARC activists and social leaders, further destabilise an already fragile and and should be welcomed. including trade unionists, journalists, and fledgling peace process. “Positive international encouragement is civic leaders, have been killed. “The experiences of our peace needed for the Colombian peace process. “The announcement in September by process in Ireland is that the signing of “I welcome the restatement by the former FARC commanders and Peace Agreements in themselves do not deliver representatives of the Cuban and Agreement negotiators, Ivan Marquez and the transformations required in society. Norwegian governments, which are Jesus Santrich, that they will resume an That only happens when Agreements are guarantors to the 2016 Agreement, of their armed campaign is very disappointing and implemented in full and new relationships commitment to help to consolidate the regrettable. and trust are developed and sustained. peace process at this time, and ensure the “However, the haste of President Duque to Good faith dialogue and engagement must 2016 Agreement is embedded and fully almost immediately authorise aerial bomb have primacy at all times. implemented.”

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Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe welcomes UN report calling for release of Catalan prisoners

SINN Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, has welcomed a report by the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) that called for the immediate release of three Catalan political prisoners - former vice-president of Catalonia, Oriol Junqueras, and two Catalan civil society leaders, Jordi Cuixart and Jordi Sànchez. All were arrested and imprisoned in late 2017 and are among 12 Catalan political prisoners currently on trial in Madrid. In recent weeks, Oriol Junqueras was elected as an MEP and Jordi Sànchez won a seat in the Spanish Cuban Ambassador to Ireland, Hugo Ramos, meets with some of the Sinn Féin ac- congress. tivists due to travel to Cuba in October. Deputy Seán Crowe said: “I travelled to Madrid in March and for two days attended the trial of the 12 Catalan Sinn Féin delegation political prisoners. These 12 political and civil leaders are in the dock in what has all the trappings of a political trial. “This UNWGAD report concludes that the to extend solidarity detention of Oriol Junqueras, Jordi Cuixart and Jordi Sànchez is arbitrary. It also calls for their immediate release and that they should be to the Cuban people offered the right to obtain compensation and other forms of reparation in accordance with A DELEGATION of Sinn Fein activists Whilst in Cuba they will visit international law. are set to travel to Cuba in October Havana, Santa Clara, Santiago “This UN report is a clear condemnation of to extend solidarity to the Cuban and other cities and regions Spain’s breach of fundamental human rights. people and to learn about the synonymous with the Cuban “I welcome this report and I join the calls experiences of the Cuban revolution. revolution. for the Spanish government to urgently abide Organised in conjunction with Our party activists will use the by its conclusions and immediately free these the Cuban Government, the ‘Cuban opportunity whilst in Cuba to brief political prisoners. Institute for Friendship with the people on the situation in Ireland “This is a political issue, not a legal one. Peoples’ (ICAP) and the Cuban detailing our struggle for sovereignty The Spanish Government needs to enter Ambassador to Ireland, Hugo Ramos, and national independence, and into meaningful dialogue with the Catalan the delegation will be made up of 7 outlining the challenges of Brexit for Government to find a political solution. It men and 7 women of various ages the Irish people. needs to stop using the police and the legal and representative of the party Belfast Sinn Féin activist, Tam system to attack the Catalan independence across the island of Ireland. Donlon, speaking ahead of the visit movement, which is a legitimate political Sinn Féin has a long fraternal said: movement. relationship with the Cuban people “This is a very exciting opportunity “I will be raising this report with the Irish supporting their right to self- for Sinn Féin activists to travel Minister for Foreign Affairs and calling on him determination, an end to foreign to Cuba. The Cuban revolution is to raise the issue directly with his Spanish intervention and demanding the symbolically important for many counterpart.” US lift the illegal trade blockade. international political activists, not In 2016 our then President, Gerry least for Irish republicans as we Adams, attended the funeral of the continue to work towards a real former Cuban President and leader, Republic here in Ireland. Fidel Castro. It is particularly poignant to be in The purpose of the trip is to Cuba during the 60th anniversary extend solidarity, in this the year and while Cuba and other 60th anniversary year of their progressive governments in Latin revolution, visit historic sites, America face increasing pressure meet with representatives of the from external influences. Central Committee, civic society We hope to learn from the representatives exchanging experiences of the Cuban people experiences with the Government and to bring that positive influence Seán Crowe TD pictured with the late Mar- and people of Cuba. to our own political activism.’ tin McGuinness and TD

@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN PAGE 6 Murphy meets Irish American political leaders to discuss Brexit concerns Sinn Féin MLA met with senior Irish American political figures in Washington to discuss the need to protect the Good Friday Agreement from Brexit. Speaking from Washington after meeting with the Congressional Friends of Ireland group hosted by Representative Richard Neal, the Sinn Féin chief negotiator said: “US political leaders have been central to the Irish Peace process, the Good Friday Conor Murphy MLA meets Irish American political leaders to discuss Brexit and Irish Unity Agreement and the progress that we have enjoyed over the past twenty-five years. future trade deal with Britain the Assembly and Executive secure a unity referendum as “Today I took the opportunity in the event of a Brexit that and the continued denial of provided for in the Good Friday to update Congress members on undermines the Good Friday rights by the DUP and British Agreement. I reiterated our the chaos of Brexit. I thanked Agreement or leads to the government. hope that they would continue them for their continued return of a hard border. “We discussed the recent the journey with us as we seek support and in particular their “I also updated members polling in support for Irish to build a new and united resolute opposition to any on our work to re-establish Unity and the need to plan and Ireland.” Sinn Féin urges Taoiseach: ‘Defend Ireland’s interests, reject Mercosur’ PARTY President Mary Lou McDonald TD says that if passed, the motion “should be considered binding” and urged the Taoiseach to “defend Ireland’s interests by voting accordingly at the European Council and Council of Ministers”. The Central TD said: “The Mercosur trade deal is a sell-out of family farms and of the environment. Sinn Féin has opposed it for the last five years and we are taking further action by tabling this motion next week. “Only weeks after declaring a climate emergency in the Dáil, the Government now advances a trade deal which will pave the way for Brazilian beef to come into the EU and for German car manufacturers to flog high emission cars in South America. This flies in the face of commitments to tackle climate change. “For farming families, the deal in and of itself will create massive difficulties, but combined with the sustained decline in beef prices, Mercosur is devastating news for farmers and the rural economy. “This is not good enough and it now falls to the Dáil to take action. “This motion, if passed, should be considered binding on this and future governments. The Taoiseach must use all legal and political means available to frustrate and thwart the deal. He must also ensure that a suitably competent person is nominated Mary Lou McDonald TD to defend Ireland’s interests as the next EU commissioner.”

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Anderson slams Turkish oppression of Kurds SINN Féin MEP Martina “It is a cyclical move to “I have visited jailed HDP Anderson has slammed the maintain the government’s MPs and seen first hand the Turkish government’s latest regressive control over the state oppression they face attack on democracy and the Kurdish South East region of in their struggle for equality rights of Kurdish people. Turkey. and their right to political said: “The removal of these representation. “It is outrageous that the mayors is just the latest attack “The EU, who provide funding Turkish government has on the Peoples’ Democratic to Turkey, must end its silence undemocratically replaced Party (HDP) while over 50 on Turkish state oppression three elected mayors in the representatives – including against the Kurdish people and predominantly Kurdish cities of leader Selahattin Demirtaş - their democratically elected Sinn Féin MEP Diyarbakir, Mardin and Van. remain behind bars. representatives.” Martina Anderson Seán Crowe TD calls for robust Irish government response to Netanyahu’s illegal annexation promise SINN Féin Foreign Affairs spokesperson settlement building in Palestine. He has Seán Crowe TD has condemned Benjamin repeatedly ignored international law Netanyahu’s and oversees latest the daily inflammatory violation of the statement human rights Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady that he of Palestinians. intends This strategy Sinn Féin MP to annex to illegally the Jordan annex the Mickey Brady Valley in the Jordan Valley occupied will be strongly West Bank resisted and addresses Palestinian if forms the create further government Palestinian protest outside Leinster House conflict. event in London in the recent “To date the general Irish government SINN Féin’s Mickey Brady attended the election in Israel. Crowe called for the has failed to robustly challenge Israel’s ‘Palestine Expo’ in London, billed as the Irish government to urgently recognise repeated violations of international law biggest Palestinian event in Europe’. the State of Palestine and support the and it’s apartheid regime in Palestine. Mr Brady addressed the gathering to passing of the Occupied Territories Bill. “The Irish government must now extend solidarity from Sinn Féin and the Deputy Seán Crowe said: respond to Netanyahu’s reckless and people of Ireland. “The current Israeli Prime Minister illegal strategy by abiding by the The Armagh MP said: Benjamin Netanyahu, in a blatant Dáil motion that called on the Irish ‘The experience of the Irish people attempt to win the votes of illegal Israeli government to formally recognise and Palestinian people share common colonial settlers, outlined on Israeli TV the State of Palestine, which was features – while there are notable that he plans to illegally annex almost unanimously passed in 2014. differences – but the struggle is the same. 30% of the occupied West Bank in “Tánaiste should I can say that the solidarity of the Irish Palestine if he wins the election. also end the government’s opposition people towards the people of Palestine “Netanyahu is saying in public what we to the Occupied Territories Bill, runs deep and resolute’. already knew – he wants to destroy any which would make trade with illegal The day was also an opportunity to attempt to create a two state solution settlements a criminal offence in meet with international comrades and and to deepen Israeli apartheid rule in Ireland. He must work with all the allies from around the globe. Especially Palestine. other parties in the Dáil who support meeting with Zwelivelile Mandela, ANC “Since he became Prime Minister the Bill to ensure it is urgently passed MP and Chief of Mvezo Traditional Council Israel has massively increased illegal and made law.” and Grandson of the late Nelson Mandela.

@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN PAGE 8 International community must act to support Palestine - Mullan

SINN Féin MLA Karen Men, women and children are Mullan addressed a large being murdered on a daily basis Palestine solidarity rally in by the Israeli military and their London and called on the proxies. international community “Those murdered include to support the Palestinian children playing as children do people. across the world and should be The Foyle MLA said: able to do in Palestine too. It also “I was honoured to speak includes doctors and medics, at such a large Palestinian journalists and others who are solidarity rally in central there to protect others and to London alongside people bring the truth to the world. from across the world, “We need to see the including Palestinian Sinn Féin MLA, , alongside the Palestinian Ambas- international community teenager, Ahed Tamimi, sador at a London Solidarity rally in May standing up and taking a who was jailed last year for stand in support of the resisting an Israeli soldier Palestinian people - in who was searching her home. support of international law and the most basic of all “This rally comes at a critical time for the Palestinian human rights - and confronting the Israeli government. people with the current ongoing Israeli onslaught on “The wider international community now needs to act. Gaza. “In particular, I am calling on the Irish government to “This is a crisis that is being ignored by many in the reflect the views of the people of Ireland and recognise international community but the facts cannot be ignored. the state of Palestine. International community must urgently intervene in support of the Colombian peace process – Gavan SINN Féin Senator trade union leaders has been 32 have disappeared. Over trying to unlock this crisis. has called on the international truly shocking. 600 community and trade “The Irish Minister for community “to step up and “The peace process is in union leaders have also Foreign Affairs must call on speak out” with regard been assassinated. the Colombian Government to to the faltering peace While the FARC have honour the peace agreement process in Colombia. complied fully with and raise this issue at the In May Senator Gavan the terms of the highest level in the EU and took part in a week peace agreement, UN and in the strongest long Peace Monitor the Colombian possible terms. There must be Mission for Justice For Government appears an urgent review of the EU- Colombia, involving to be deliberately Colombia Free Trade Deal as a series of meetings blocking the the human rights provisions with all actors in the implementation in that deal have been peace process including of the agreement, completely disregarded. the FARC, Government whilst turning a “The Colombian people have representatives, the blind eye to the struggled for justice against a United Nations Human ongoing slaughter of series of corrupt governments Sinn Féin Senator, Paul Gavan, with leading Rights Committee, and community leaders. for decades. Their voices Colombian Trade Unionist, Gilberto Martinez a wide range of Human “The experience must be heard now in order Rights Defenders. of the Irish peace to pressure their Government Speaking about his crisis due to an ongoing process has been cited to re-engage with the peace experience of the mission, campaign of murder against many times by the various process and end its policies Senator Gavan said: community, indigenous and parties we have met and I of frustrating key elements of “The first hand testimonies trade union leaders. 132 do believe there is potential the peace agreement around we have heard about an ex-combatants of the FARC for a positive role for our rural reform, reincorporation organised campaign of have been executed by right Government, in conjunction of ex-combatants, and judicial slaughter of community and wing paramilitaries, another with Norway and Cuba in justice and truth.”

@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN PAGE 9 Sinn Féin leader welcomes publication of Presidential Voting Rights Bill

SINN Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald TD has welcomed the publication of the Presidential Voting Right Referendum legislation. The Dublin Central TD said: “Sinn Féin has been to the fore in seeking to advance the commitment by government to deliver this referendum. “A majority who took part in the Convention on the Constitution in 2013 voted in support of extending Presidential voting rights to citizens living outside the state. “Irish citizens living in the north and amongst Ireland’s diaspora have long campaigned for voting rights, rights that are the norm in other jurisdictions. “Now that the legislation has been published government must lend its full support to the campaign for a Yes vote and supports the Bill’s MP and Sen. Niall Ó Donnghaile passage through the Dáil and Seanad. “We look forward to debating the Bill itself over the coming weeks. It will be important that all stakeholders and the hard won. This referendum will provide us all with an historic wider Irish community engage in this process. opportunity to recognise the contribution Irish citizens make to “Voting rights for all citizens has been long fought for and our islands society, economy and diverse culture.” Elisha McCallion MP hosts Jordanian delegation in Westminster

SINN Féin MP, Elisha children. McCallion hosted a “Women in Palestine, and delegation of Jordanian particularly those in Gaza, parliamentarians in are being denied basic Westminster to discuss rights and are suffering the situation in Palestine. disproportionately as a Foremost in the discussion result of Israeli military was what the international aggression and the community can do to worsening humanitarian support Palestinian women crisis. who are suffering under “Women and children Israeli oppression. are being held in prisons, The Foyle MP said: often far from their homes, “I met with a group of placing huge strains on their Jordanian parliamentarians families. There is a duty on and political activists in the international community Westminster to discuss and all those who care ways the international about the rights of women community can support to stand up for the rights the people of Palestine. In of women in Palestine. Sinn particular, they expressed Féin will continue to stand grave concern about the by the people of Palestine impact of Israeli oppression and offer them our on-going Elisha McCallion MP, meeting Jordanian delegation in Westminster on Palestinian women and solidarity.”

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GERRY Adams, along with his friend and comrade Martin McGuinness, was a pivotal figure in the efforts to build a peace process. The contribution of both men to the IRA cessation 25 years ago was key. Writing in his regular column in the Andersonstown News Gerry Adams recalls that landmark decision by the IRA, and the Gerry Adams’ full blog which is being carried background to achieving it. He also draws by the Andersonstown News below: lessons for today. He writes: “A quarter of a century later much has changed. Ongoing political and demographic changes have increased the demand for THE ’94 CESSATION more change. Political Unionism has lost its majority in the Assembly. Nationalism has rejected Westminster. There is a greater – HOW IT HAPPENED confidence and optimism. The IRA cessation is 25 government had provided “The demand for equality, for rights BY years-old this week. August written assurances that if for all citizens is now part of our DNA. 1994 was an intense month. GERRY there was a cessation there Support for a referendum on Irish Unity is I was involved, along with ADAMS would be an immediate growing. Nationalists and republicans will Martin McGuinness, and Sinn Féin response on practical never again tolerate a second class status. others in the Sinn Féin TD for matters. Sinn Féin would Many within unionism have also come to leadership, in intense, Louth be treated like any other accept the need for power-sharing and mostly private, efforts to political party. This would reconciliation and inclusiveness. And some persuade the SDLP Leader could persuade the IRA include a speedy meeting are publicly speaking for the first time about , the Irish leadership that there between the Taoiseach, the possibility of a new Ireland, a shared Government and allies in existed an alternative to Albert Reynolds, myself space which embraces the unity of all our Irish America to establish armed actions capable of and John Hume. people. an alternative unarmed achieving republican goals. Incidentally, after the “There are of course still challenges to be strategy to pursue The danger was that if we cessation was declared and overcome. Brexit looms. The power sharing republican and democratic pulled everything together before that meeting Albert government is not functioning. There are objectives. Fr Alec Reid was and the Army said NO contacted me to say that still those within political unionism who see central to this. And Fr Des. then the process was over Seamus Mallon had asked everything as a zero sum game in which any The Sinn Féin aim was to before it really started. him to put our meeting change – however innocuous – is a defeat. open up the opportunity Our discussions involved back until he met with The British government is allied to the for a meaningful peace the Irish government; I was John Hume and Seamus. DUP and refusing to honour commitments process that could bring meeting John Hume; we I dismissed this. The made when the Good Friday Agreement was about fundamental were negotiating with the Taoiseach did not press it. achieved. The Irish government and the political and constitutional US administration through The Connolly House southern political establishment could do change. At the same a variety of channels, and group had also passed much more to fulfill their obligations as co- time we were intent on there was a delegation back to us a document guarantor of the Agreement. So, there is still advancing our republican of Irish Americans – the which set out a serious much work to be done. objectives of ending Connolly House group – programme of work and “Looking back 25 years ago to that period partition and bringing who were lobbying the commitment from them of our history and experience it is clear that about Irish Unity. Clinton administration and Irish America. Entitled dialogue, inclusive and based on equality, August 1994 was the to develop a new Irish ‘Policy Statement by is central to any conflict resolution process month when it all began agenda. We were also in Irish American leaders’ – to any process of change. It is very telling to come together. To be contact with the British it said that in the event that the then Leader of Unionism James honest, neither Martin government though they of a ceasefire they would Molyneaux described the cessation as ‘The nor I really knew if we were not part of the effort commit themselves to ‘the most destabilising event since partition’. would succeed. We were to develop an alternative. creation of a campaign “Twenty five years later this assertion attempting something At a briefing in early in the United States August with the IRA remains an insightful reminder of the worm unique and exceptional dedicated to achieving’ a leadership Martin was at the heart of political unionism. That is the - to construct a series of number of specified goals. agreements which together able to tell it that the Irish Among these were an fear of positive political change. It is self- evident now that if it had been left to the Unionist leaders and the British Government there would have not been a cessation. Thankfully they did not have a vote at the IRA’s Army Council meeting which took that decision.”

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immediate end to all visa restrictions and has changed. Ongoing political and the provision of unrestricted access for the demographic changes have increased Sinn Féin party leader. the demand for more change. Political The IRA leadership listened attentively Unionism has lost its majority in the to what we had to say. It agreed to meet Assembly. Nationalism has rejected again to receive an update from us. It was Westminster. There is a greater confidence coming close to make your mind up time. and optimism. Everyone at the meeting knew this. Some The demand for equality, for rights of the leadership were against a cessation. for all citizens is now part of our DNA. They had been very frank about that. It Support for a referendum on Irish Unity is was going to be a close call. growing. Nationalists and republicans will I believed that we had to choreograph a never again tolerate a second class status. series of statements, actually more public Many within unionism have also come to initiatives than statements, from John accept the need for power-sharing and Hume, An Taoiseach Albert Reynolds, and reconciliation and inclusiveness. And some the Connolly House group, which would are publicly speaking for the first time signal the coming together of the different about the possibility of a new Ireland, a pieces of the jig-saw. We also needed a shared space which embraces the unity of visa for . It was one of the issues all our people. Gerry Adams TD which the Army leadership had raised with There are of course still challenges to be us. Fundamentally it was a test to see if overcome. Brexit looms. The power sharing the Irish government was prepared to take he made or die trying. The struggle wasn’t government is not functioning. There are on the British and if it could win such a ending we told them. They knew that of still those within political unionism who political battle with the British within the course. see everything as a zero sum game in US administration. It would also be an In many ways, I said, the easy decision which any change – however innocuous important indicator of how seriously the was for the IRA to continue to fight. That – is a defeat. The British government is Clinton administration intended to take was the low risk option. The high-risk allied to the DUP and refusing to honour the issue of peace in Ireland. option was the one we were arguing for. It commitments made when the Good The Connolly House Group returned to meant uncharted waters. It would involve Friday Agreement was achieved. The Irish Ireland on August 25. The following Sunday compromises. It could mean risking – and government and the southern political John Hume and I met and issued another losing – everything. But we could also be establishment could do much more to joint statement. Later that evening the the generation who would win freedom. fulfill their obligations as co-guarantor of Taoiseach, Albert Reynolds issued a We could set in place a process which the Agreement. So, there is still much work statement in which he also expressed could create new conditions for a genuine to be done. a belief that a historic opportunity was and just peace and from there build a Looking back twenty five years ago to opening up. pathway and a strategy into a new all that period of our history and experience Martin and I met the Army Council again. Ireland republic. it is clear that dialogue, inclusive and The meeting was inconclusive. People A formal proposal was then put to the based on equality, is central to any conflict needed more time to consider all the meeting. The vote was for a cessation. It resolution process – to any process of issues. Joe’s visa became an even greater was not unanimous but those who voted change. It is very telling that the then test. Then late on Monday night, August against pledged their support to the new Leader of Unionism James Molyneaux 29th, President Clinton cleared Joe’s visa. position. Unity, they said was essential. described the cessation as ‘The most Martin and I again travelled to meet the On Wednesday August 31st at noon the destabilising event since partition.’ Army Council. A package had been agreed. IRA declared its “complete cessation of Twenty five years later this assertion It was now over to the IRA leadership. military operations… We believe that an remains an insightful reminder of the Everyone at the Army meeting was a opportunity to create a just and lasting worm at the heart of political unionism. little tense. Martin McGuinness spoke settlement has been created”. That is the fear of positive political eloquently. So did others. For and against. The peace process and the dramatic change. It is self-evident now that if it had One of Martin’s great qualities was his changes that have taken place in the last been left to the Unionist leaders and the sense of conviction and confidence. He 25 years owe much to the courageous British Government there would have not could bring a strength to a debate which decision by the Army Council and those been a cessation. was very, very compelling. Even if you other Volunteers who followed the path Thankfully they did not have a vote at might not agree with him you knew he chosen by the IRA leadership. the IRA’s Army Council meeting which took was going to deliver on any commitment A quarter of a century later much that decision.

@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN PAGE 12 attends ‘Feminist Futures’ festival and conference organised by Die Linke in Germany

SINN Féin spokesperson on equality, Emma Sheerin MLA, recently attended a feminist conference organised by the political party Die Linke, members of the GUE/NGL grouping in the along with Sinn Féin and others of the progressive Left. The event was held in Germany. The Die Linke Womens Caucus established the feminist festival with a view to creating a safe space for women from all over the world to join together and share experiences and examples of best practice. Emma Sheerin MLA speaking at the recent Die Linke event in Germany Female international representatives from Cuba, Palestine, Western Sahara, fore in these discussions along with present was startling, and served as a Greece, Philippines, India, Tanzania, the current negotiations to reestablish personal reminder of how lucky I am as a Nepal, Senegal, Slovenia, Argentina the institutions in the North and the young woman who was born when I was. among others were in attendance. campaign for a referendum on Irish Unity. “I was met with genuine respect for our Emma said she found the participants: “In explaining my political outlook strong female leadership of Mary Lou and “to a woman, to be warm and and the reason I have the role that I Michelle, something all attendees would welcoming. We had open and honest have, I was met with similar mindsets, like to see emulated by their respective conversations, exchanging experiences from completely different perspectives. parties at home, and there was a keen about the cultures of other nations, Although we all came from varying interest in our project towards Irish Unity. including the challenges faced by women backgrounds, the sole driver for all of us As left representatives, most of whom in societies much less progressive than was a desire to improve the place we call from countries that themselves were, our own in Ireland.” home. or in some cases still are, the victims of Emma took the opportunity to brief “For many of the women, including a western colonial powers, the struggle for the other international representatives lady from Palestine and another from Irish self determination resonated. on the current situation in Ireland. Emma the Western Sahara, forced to live as “I came away from the experience said: a refugee in her own homeland, the with a wealth of new information, and “The Brexit issue and the potential struggle of Irish republicans serves as with a greater appreciation for the disastrous impact on the people of an inspiration. Their obvious envy at the overwhelmingly positive journey I have Ireland North and South was to the leadership shown by Sinn Féin past and had as a woman within Sinn Féin.” Sinn Féin Ard Fheis in Derry The Sinn Féin Ard Fheis will be held in Derry’s Millennium Forum, 3 Newmarket street, BT48, 6EB on the 15th and 16th November 2019.

This years Ard Fheis will be held against a backdrop of Brexit and the unprecedented opportunity it affords to begin a strategic discussion on the transition to a new, agreed, united Ireland built upon reconciliation and equality.

International representatives from Europe, the Middle East, Basque Country, the US and further afield will be in attendance.

The Sinn Féin President, Mary Lou McDonald, will address the conference on the evening of Saturday 16 November at 8-30pm.

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