The Orange Order last night awaited confirmation that President Clinton would meet its representatives when he arrives in Belfast on Thursday.
A spokesman for the Grand Lodge of Ireland, Mr David McNarry, described the requested meeting as "long overdue". He said the order wished to discuss the marching issue with the President and highlight the current "critical state" of the Orange institution.
"Above all we want to share with him how we believe our culture is being abused and our rights are being denied," said Mr McNarry.
Meanwhile preparations are under way in Armagh for the first visit to the city by a US president. On Thursday evening Armagh city centre will host the largest public event on the President's itinerary in Northern Ireland.
A large crowd is expected to gather on the Mall for the President's address. Council officials are describing the event as a "gathering for peace" with the President expected to highlight Armagh as a centre for reconciliation and reflection.
The British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, will accompany Mr Clinton and his wife, Hillary, on their tour around Northern Ireland.
"People who wish to see and hear the President should come to Armagh. We can accommodate as many people as arrive here because of the large open area," said a White House spokesman.
Big name acts have yet to be confirmed for an open-air concert planned for the evening. The Armagh Cross-Community Choir is due to perform and it is also believed that singer Mary Black and Phil Coulter have been approached to perform. The President's visit to Northern Ireland begins in Belfast in the morning with a meeting with members of the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont Castle.
Mr Clinton will then speak at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast before leaving for Omagh where he will lay a wreath in memory of those who died in the bombing and meet representatives from the town's emergency services and those bereaved and injured by the blast.
The event in Armagh will conclude the President's visit to Northern Ireland. He is expected to leave the city at around 9 p.m. to travel by helicopter to Dublin Airport.
Mr and Mrs Clinton will then stay overnight at the US ambassador's residence in the Phoenix Park.