JERRY ADAMS (Adams Gerry)

(p. 1948)
Sinn Fein ( 'Ourselves'). Born Oct. 6, 1948 in Belfast (Northern Ireland) in a family member of the IRA. In the 1960's worked as a bartender, took part in demonstrations under the slogan of improving public housing, joined the nationalists during clashes between Catholics and Protestants in Ulster in 1969. In the early 1970's commanded a brigade of the IRA in Belfast, was involved in planning operations as a member of the IRA Board. During the 1970's was arrested several times, held in jail without trial, a total of more than three years. In the late 1970's became the leader of the faction of Sinn Fein advocates a peaceful settlement of the issue of accession to the Ulster Ireland. In 1983, became chairman of Sinn Fein. In the same year was elected to the British House of Commons from the West Belfast district, but never knowing his place in parliament, refusing to take an oath of loyalty to the crown. In 1987 undertook a series of steps that led to the first round of secret negotiations with the British Government, and 1991 - with the leader of the Social Democratic and Labor Party of Ireland David Hume. In December 1993, British Prime Minister John Major and Irish Prime Minister Albert Reynolds issued a so-called. Downing Street Declaration, which stated its intention to begin peace talks on condition of complete cessation of violent acts by the IRA.
Although the IRA has rejected a proposal to sign a declaration on Aug. 31, 1994 they declared a cease-fire. Subsequent negotiations have not led to significant results, and the terrorist attacks in London in February 1996 undermined the credibility of Adams and led to the exclusion of Sinn Fein from the talks. The victory of Tony Blair and the Labor Party in elections in May 1997 gave new impetus to peace talks. In 1997, Adams was again elected to the House of Commons from the West Belfast. IRA resumed its previous decision to cease-fire July 19, 1997, and Sinn Fein once again took its place at the negotiating table. In October 1997, Adams met with Blair in Belfast. April 10, 1998 the parties reached agreement on the establishment of an elected Assembly in Northern Ireland, which has broad powers. The Irish Government has agreed to amend paragraph of its constitution, holding that Northern Ireland belongs to the Republic of Ireland. Adams expressed his support for the pact, but did not sign it. Sinn Fein has approved an agreement in May 1998. In June 1998, Adams was elected to the new Northern Ireland Assembly and in the early days of the first session of the Assembly condemned the violent methods of struggle for a united Ireland.