President Clinton will do "all he can" to help revitalise the peace process when he visits Northern Ireland later this month, according to Senator George Mitchell, who chaired the talks which led to the signing of the Belfast Agreement.
On the BBC's Breakfast With Frost programme yesterday, Senator Mitchell said Mr Clinton was taking a "very deep personal interest" in the situation. "No other American president has ever gone to Northern Ireland while in office and this will be President Clinton's third visit. I know he will want to do what he can to encourage the political leaders and people to move the process forward."
"The prime responsibility belongs to the government and the people there. But, to the extent that he can to be helpful, I know that he very much wants to be and he is looking forward to his visit," he added.