CLINTON PLANS OMAGH VISIT
Clinton plans Omagh visit
THE White House has confirmed that President Bill Clinton will travel to Omagh during his one-day visit to the Province next week.
White House deputy press secretary Barry Toiv said last night: "The President sees this as a way of continuing to support the peace process and make it clear that those who would use violence to stop the peace process will not succeed.
"President Clinton also wants to express his sympathy and condolences to the community of Omagh."
The President will be flying- into Northern Ireland next Thursday primarily to underscore America's support for the new Assembly.
He will be escorted during- the day by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Secretary of State Mo Mowlam.
Mr Clinton arrives a day after his wife Hillary, who will be spending two days in the Province before both leave together for engagements in Eire.
While in Belfast the President will be giving an address in the Waterfront Hall and attending a reception with Assembly members in Stormont, before privately meeting with party leaders.
The President is also expected to visit the new Springvale Campus on the peaceline in Belfast, and Armagh city.
Mr Clinton has shown a special interest in the new university campus, already making $5m available to help make the project a reality.
It is believed that he and the First Lady may split up to cover all of the engagements.
The First Lady is set to fly into the Province on September 2 to attend a major women's conference at the Waterfront Hall and will then spend the night at Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of Mo Mowlam.
The conference, Vital Voices, is to showcase and support the role of women in economic and political life.
President Clinton said: "The women of Northern Ireland have borne an enormous share of the trauma of the Troubles. Now their participation will be essential to build a future of peace and reconciliation."
Among those taking part in the conference is the Omagh Area Women's Network.
Ambassador Lader said the American administration doesn't expect this visit to be greeted with the same euphoria as the President's last trip in November 1995.
"This visit is likely to be a more reflective one. It is a different time in the peace process and the recent events foster different human sentiments," he said.
THE White House has confirmed that President Bill Clinton will travel to Omagh during his one-day visit to the Province next week.
White House deputy press secretary Barry Toiv said last night: "The President sees this as a way of continuing to support the peace process and make it clear that those who would use violence to stop the peace process will not succeed.
"President Clinton also wants to express his sympathy and condolences to the community of Omagh."
The President will be flying- into Northern Ireland next Thursday primarily to underscore America's support for the new Assembly.
He will be escorted during- the day by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Secretary of State Mo Mowlam.
Mr Clinton arrives a day after his wife Hillary, who will be spending two days in the Province before both leave together for engagements in Eire.
While in Belfast the President will be giving an address in the Waterfront Hall and attending a reception with Assembly members in Stormont, before privately meeting with party leaders.
The President is also expected to visit the new Springvale Campus on the peaceline in Belfast, and Armagh city.
Mr Clinton has shown a special interest in the new university campus, already making $5m available to help make the project a reality.
It is believed that he and the First Lady may split up to cover all of the engagements.
The First Lady is set to fly into the Province on September 2 to attend a major women's conference at the Waterfront Hall and will then spend the night at Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of Mo Mowlam.
The conference, Vital Voices, is to showcase and support the role of women in economic and political life.
President Clinton said: "The women of Northern Ireland have borne an enormous share of the trauma of the Troubles. Now their participation will be essential to build a future of peace and reconciliation."
Among those taking part in the conference is the Omagh Area Women's Network.
Ambassador Lader said the American administration doesn't expect this visit to be greeted with the same euphoria as the President's last trip in November 1995.
"This visit is likely to be a more reflective one. It is a different time in the peace process and the recent events foster different human sentiments," he said.
Further Information
Publisher: NEWS LETTER
Ref: NL/118
Published Date: 27-Aug-98
Related Images
