WORLD LEADERS SEND MESSAGES OF SUPPORT TO OMAGH
World leaders send messages of support to Omagh
BILL Clinton led world leaders who offered their sympathy to the community of Omagh as it prepares to commemorate the first anniversary of the bomb attack which killed 29 people.
In a letter to the people of the town, the US president said: "I want you to know that the prayers of all Americans and of peace-loving people everywhere are with you and your families."
He urged the people of Northern Ireland to allow a "just and inclusive peace" to become the legacy of Omagh.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said families of victims from Omagh, Buncrana and Spain would still be trying to come to terms with their loss.
He added: "In the wake of the outrage, the people of Ireland made abundantly clear their revulsion and rejection of violence.
"The government will continue to work closely with the British government and the parties in Northern Ireland to bring about a situation where no other family in these islands or further afield experiences the grief and loss which you have suffered."
British prime minister Tony Blair joined with Mr Ahern and Mr Clinton in expressing his sympathy to those injured and bereaved and paid tribute to "all those who have taken part in the colossal effort of relief and support in response to the tragedy".
In Omagh today a short informal ceremony will be held at Market Street, where the car bomb exploded. Church bells will ring at 3pm and there will be a minute's silence at 3.10pm, followed by prayers and laying of wreaths.
The main anniversary ceremony will take place tomorrow in High Street at 2.55pm - a ceremony will be held simultaneously in Market Square, Buncrana.
Also, all churches in Omagh will use anniversary prayers and readings in their morning worships.
Secretary of State Mo Mowlam and Irish junior Foreign Minister Liz O'Donnell are expected to be among the thousands to attend the event in the Co Tyrone town.
Meanwhile, Omagh residents will talk about their experiences in a programme entitled Broken Hearts to be broadcast today on BBC Radio Ulster at 11.30am and tomorrow on BBC Radio 5 Live at 12.05pm.
Broadcaster Paul Moore, himself a resident of the town, has interviewed teachers, parents, spouses and rescue workers asking them how they have coped with the changes in their lives.
Interspersed between the interviews will be archive clips of radio broadcasts from the days after the explosions which devastated the town centre.
BILL Clinton led world leaders who offered their sympathy to the community of Omagh as it prepares to commemorate the first anniversary of the bomb attack which killed 29 people.
In a letter to the people of the town, the US president said: "I want you to know that the prayers of all Americans and of peace-loving people everywhere are with you and your families."
He urged the people of Northern Ireland to allow a "just and inclusive peace" to become the legacy of Omagh.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said families of victims from Omagh, Buncrana and Spain would still be trying to come to terms with their loss.
He added: "In the wake of the outrage, the people of Ireland made abundantly clear their revulsion and rejection of violence.
"The government will continue to work closely with the British government and the parties in Northern Ireland to bring about a situation where no other family in these islands or further afield experiences the grief and loss which you have suffered."
British prime minister Tony Blair joined with Mr Ahern and Mr Clinton in expressing his sympathy to those injured and bereaved and paid tribute to "all those who have taken part in the colossal effort of relief and support in response to the tragedy".
In Omagh today a short informal ceremony will be held at Market Street, where the car bomb exploded. Church bells will ring at 3pm and there will be a minute's silence at 3.10pm, followed by prayers and laying of wreaths.
The main anniversary ceremony will take place tomorrow in High Street at 2.55pm - a ceremony will be held simultaneously in Market Square, Buncrana.
Also, all churches in Omagh will use anniversary prayers and readings in their morning worships.
Secretary of State Mo Mowlam and Irish junior Foreign Minister Liz O'Donnell are expected to be among the thousands to attend the event in the Co Tyrone town.
Meanwhile, Omagh residents will talk about their experiences in a programme entitled Broken Hearts to be broadcast today on BBC Radio Ulster at 11.30am and tomorrow on BBC Radio 5 Live at 12.05pm.
Broadcaster Paul Moore, himself a resident of the town, has interviewed teachers, parents, spouses and rescue workers asking them how they have coped with the changes in their lives.
Interspersed between the interviews will be archive clips of radio broadcasts from the days after the explosions which devastated the town centre.
Further Information
Publisher: THE IRISH NEWS
Ref: IN/0306
Published Date: 14-Aug-99
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