Adams views United Ireland in United Europe
A forum focusing on European issues was tonight told that they must first focus on a united Ireland before contemplating a united Europe.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams told the European Social Forum at Southwark Cathedral in London that he wanted to see the international community cancel third world debt and promote peace, freedom, human rights, tolerance, justice and equality.
The West Belfast MP said: “Irish republicans are committed and determined to play our full part in working with others to achieve this.
“The European Union has an increasing involvement in all our lives, especially in Ireland. I listen to talk of a united Europe. But there cannot be a united Europe without a united Ireland and part of the forum discussion must focus on ending the partition of Ireland.
“Sinn Fein wants to build an ‘Ireland of Equals’ in a ‘Europe of Equals’. In keeping with our commitment to demilitarise the conflict in Ireland, we are actively campaigning for the demilitarisation of the European Union.”
Mr Adams paid tribute to those taking part in the European Social Forum gathering.
He praised London mayor Ken Livingstone, noting that he had been pilloried in the British press for engaging with Irish republicans and visiting Belfast 20 years ago.
He remarked: “Had Ken’s engagement with republicanism been embraced by the British government at that time there is no doubt that the peace process might have occurred sooner.”
He also paid tribute to Dr Aleida Guevara, the daughter of Che Guevara, saying many Irish people claimed him as one of their own given that his great grandfather was Patrick Lynch from Ireland.
The Sinn Féin leader also praised the work of the African National Congress in helping build peace in Ireland.
“When Sinn Féin needed help as we developed our peace strategy, the ANC was on hand to listen to our concerns and to talk through with us the options available,” the West Belfast MP said.
Mr Adams said republicans wanted to see economic and social justice within Europe and wanted the EU to prioritise the elimination of poverty within and beyond its borders.
