The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Andrews, briefed the White House and members of Congress yesterday on the implementation of the Northern Ireland peace agreement, writes Joe Carroll in Washington. Later he flew to New York to receive an award from the Belfast-based Flax Trust organisation with the First Minister, Mr David Trimble, and the Northern Ireland Secretary, Dr Mo Mowlam. The Deputy First Minister, Mr Seamus Mallon, was given an award in his absence.
In Washington, Mr Andrews met senators Mr Edward Ken nedy, Mr Chris Dodd and Mr Pat Leahy. He also met members of the Friends of Ireland and the Ad Hoc Committee on Ireland. The Minister discussed US funding for the International Fund for Ireland with congressman Mr Sonny Callahan. At the White House he met senior members of the National Security Council staff who advise President Clinton on Irish affairs.