Bush sends chilly warning to Sinn Fein [View All]

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http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20050314/wl_uk_afp/usnirelandwhouse_050314235846

Bush sends chilly warning to Sinn Fein
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18 minutes ago
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WASHINGTON (AFP) - President George W. Bush (news - web sites) shut his St Patrick's Day celebrations to leaders of the Irish Republican Army (news - web sites)'s political wing to protest what one aide described as the IRA's "thuggery and gangsterism."

White House officials did not to publicly single out Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams, who is on a trip to the United States. They said Bush was frustrated with Northern Ireland political parties in general, but made clear in private that the IRA was in Washington's crosshairs.

"We have hosted the leaders of the political parties in Northern Ireland in recent years in order to encourage progress toward a comprehensive peace agreement," said Bush spokesman Scott McClellan.

"We have seen recently that there has been a lack of progress," added McClellan. "Continued violence, paramilitary activity and associated criminal acts remain a key obstacle to a lasting and durable peace."

But a senior administration official, speaking on condition he not be named, told AFP the United States "is particularly unhappy with the continued IRA thuggery and gangsterism ... and that's the message that's being sent."

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