THE Northern Ireland Minister for Political Development, Mr Michael Ancram, is expected to arrive in Washington today for talks with the White House on the latest developments in the peace process.
Mr Ancram, a regular visitor to the US capital, is coming at a critical time in the Northern Ireland process. He is expected to have talks in the White House tomorrow. A British embassy spokesman said that the visit was part of a process of consultation.
The Minister will attend a dinner in the British embassy this evening that will be attended by members of the US administration. The White House was last night waiting for a text of the article published in today's Irish Times by the British prime minister, Mr John Major.
Officials are also examining comments by the Ulster Unionist leader, Mr David Trimble, denying that he said Senator George Mitchell had a key role to play in the post election talks.