As others see us

FOR THE sometimes over-simplifying American media, (Gerry Adams) is no longer another Gaddafi but a new Mandela. An image which he reinforced by proclaiming on his return to Dublin that the conflict in Ulster had entered 'its last phase' and that 'we are now going to have peace' . . .

Certainly, the visit that Mr Major is due to make soon to Washington should help repair this transatlantic division. Until then, the British government has only to relaunch the Ulster peace process. With, in the background, a refortified Sinn Fein.

'Le Monde', French daily

(PRESIDENT Clinton's decision to allow Gerry Adams into the country was) daring and right . . . since it allowed Americans to take their own measure of a key figure in a bitter struggle that matters deeply to many Americans.

What they saw was Mr Adams putting on a terrible show. He fudged and equivocated on the . . . crucial considerations.

'Washington Post', US daily

THE audience presented to Gerry Adams on the other side of the Atlantic, and the seriousness with which they listened to his message as a would-be statesman, is scandalous because the Sinn Fein leader plays with all his cards marked . . .

His proposals are simple and stale: that London should cave in. In the US, they listened to him as though he were a statesman representing the majority of a people of martyrs, when in fact all he represents is a fanaticised minority.

'El Pais', Spanish daily