January 2005
Thank you for your interest in the Irish American Unity Conference. While there are many Irish organizations with different missions and goals, the goal of the IAUC is to promote a just and democratic peace in Ireland by working with and educating our legislators about Irish issues. The peace process has been stalled and many fear it may be dead. We must press our government to take up where President Clinton left off – to work closely with Irish and British politicians to see the Good Friday Agreement brought to fruition.
As Americans we are very lucky to have elections and to see our legislators pass laws and work on behalf of the citizens of the USA. Part of the mandate of the Good Friday Agreement was to provide an elected Assembly of representatives for the people. This mandate has been ignored by the British government. It is amazing that citizens in a western European country do not have a voice in their own government.
Other issues require our attention and concern: the murders of such prominent human rights lawyers like Patrick Finucane and Rosemary Nelson; illegal and sectarian parades in nationalist neighborhoods; the threat of an extradition treaty with Britain that will severely affect not only US Irish activists but all activists; and the reprehensible treatment of Irish nationals in this country who are looking for political asylum.
Are you willing to help out? If so, then consider joining our local IAUC chapter.
The meetings and events schedule can be found here:
Sarah McAuliffe-Bellin
President – Pittsburgh/Western PA Chapter