27/08/2004

Former First Lady urges politicians to continue quest for peace

Former US First Lady, Senator Hillary Clinton has urged Northern Ireland’s politicians to continue their quest for a lasting political settlement.

Senator Clinton made her remarks during a speech to the Tip O’Neill Peace Lecture at the University of Ulster’s Magee campus where she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

Recalling her first trip made to Northern Ireland in 1995 as First Lady with husband President Bill Clinton,, she said that they had seen hope on people’s faces. “We were even more encouraged and determined to do whatever we could officially and personally to encourage those who took risks for peace.

“I join with so many others in hoping that the next months see continued progress on behalf of the peace process here in this wonderful and blessed place.”

Senator Clinton, who spoke on the theme Peace and Reconciliation in the Modern World said that not only was peace a noble goal, it was now a strategic imperative.

“If we are to avoid the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons, and the stop the spread of nihilistic fundamentalism, then we need to harness as much peace in as many places as possible," she added.

Meanwhile, former US President Bill Clinton was in Belfast yesterday to sign copies of his memoirs My Life at a book signing session at the Eason's store in Belfast city centre.

He and his wife are to continue their visit to the province with a trip to Co Fermanagh on Friday.

The couple are expected to visit the Clinton Peace Centre, housed on the site of the 1987 IRA Remembrance Sunday bombing in Enniskillen, which was formally opened by Mr Clinton two years ago.

(MB)

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