PEACE PROCESS WILL REMAIN AT CENTRE STAGE
Peace process will remain at centre stage
By DOMINIC CUNNINGHAM
PRESIDENT Bill Clinton is expected to urge political parties in the North to redouble their efforts to keep the peace process on track during his high-profile visit today.
Amid a massive security operation Mr Clinton is due to meet the politicians at Stormont and will underscore his administration's commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and the proposed new structures of government at several other locations during the day-long visit.
Mr Clinton is likely to make much of the two gestures in succeeding days this week by Sinn Fein - effectively declaring the war was over plus the appointment of a representative to the decommissioning body - as evidence of sincerity and movement by republicans.
He may call for reciprocal confidence-building gestures by unionists although the President is aware that UUP leader and First Minister Designate David Trimble will face increased opposition within his party if he tries to move too quickly.
FACE TO FACE
So far Mr Trimble has resisted republican calls for face to face talks with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, but the two men are likely to address each other directly during preliminary talks at the Assembly on Monday next.
DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley said he would not be attending the special session called by Mr Trimble but was branded a hypocrite by the Ulster Unionists as his party sits, in an assembly committee with Sinn Fein members.
There are also some reports that Mr Adams and Mr Trimble may be included in a photocall for Mr Clinton's visit to the Assembly around mid-morning today.
Mr Clinton will be accompanied by his wife Hillary who flew into Belfast ahead of the Presidential party yesterday to address the closing session of a conference on Women in Democracy when he travels to Omagh this afternoon.
DRAINS SEALED
America's First Citizens will be joined by British prime minister Tony Blair on their visit to the Co Tyrone town where Mr Clinton will unveil a plaque in honour of the 28 men, women and children who died in the atrocity less than three weeks ago.
A blanket of security will be thrown over the North today during Mr Clinton's stay and hundreds of RUC officers and British soldiers are being backed up by scores of heavily armed US secret service agents.
Snipers with high-powered rifles yesterday moved into positions around all the venues the Clintons will visit throughout their stay.
By DOMINIC CUNNINGHAM
PRESIDENT Bill Clinton is expected to urge political parties in the North to redouble their efforts to keep the peace process on track during his high-profile visit today.
Amid a massive security operation Mr Clinton is due to meet the politicians at Stormont and will underscore his administration's commitment to the Good Friday Agreement and the proposed new structures of government at several other locations during the day-long visit.
Mr Clinton is likely to make much of the two gestures in succeeding days this week by Sinn Fein - effectively declaring the war was over plus the appointment of a representative to the decommissioning body - as evidence of sincerity and movement by republicans.
He may call for reciprocal confidence-building gestures by unionists although the President is aware that UUP leader and First Minister Designate David Trimble will face increased opposition within his party if he tries to move too quickly.
FACE TO FACE
So far Mr Trimble has resisted republican calls for face to face talks with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, but the two men are likely to address each other directly during preliminary talks at the Assembly on Monday next.
DUP leader Rev Ian Paisley said he would not be attending the special session called by Mr Trimble but was branded a hypocrite by the Ulster Unionists as his party sits, in an assembly committee with Sinn Fein members.
There are also some reports that Mr Adams and Mr Trimble may be included in a photocall for Mr Clinton's visit to the Assembly around mid-morning today.
Mr Clinton will be accompanied by his wife Hillary who flew into Belfast ahead of the Presidential party yesterday to address the closing session of a conference on Women in Democracy when he travels to Omagh this afternoon.
DRAINS SEALED
America's First Citizens will be joined by British prime minister Tony Blair on their visit to the Co Tyrone town where Mr Clinton will unveil a plaque in honour of the 28 men, women and children who died in the atrocity less than three weeks ago.
A blanket of security will be thrown over the North today during Mr Clinton's stay and hundreds of RUC officers and British soldiers are being backed up by scores of heavily armed US secret service agents.
Snipers with high-powered rifles yesterday moved into positions around all the venues the Clintons will visit throughout their stay.
Further Information
Publisher: IRISH INDEPENDENT
Ref: II/214
Published Date: 03-Sep-98
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