Clinton reaffirms support for NI
US secretary of state Hillary Clinton said that the North's agreement today on devolution will help stregthen the gains of the last ten years. By Pat Holland - 05/02/10
Mrs Clinton, who was in Belfast last October, said she has been in regular contact with the parties in Northern Ireland and was aware that the road to agreement was “bumpy”.
“This is not the end of the journey. So far, the devolution process has enabled Northern Ireland’s leaders to enact a range of needed reforms, from health to housing to environmental safety. Now they have even greater authority, and with that authority comes greater responsibility. They must continue to lead,” she said.
“The people of Northern Ireland are poised to build a thriving society on this stronger foundation a country where neighbors can live free from fear and all people have the opportunity to fulfill their God-given potential."
“Northern Ireland gives us hope that, despite entrenched opposition and innumerable setbacks, diligent diplomacy and committed leadership can overcome generations of suspicion and hostility.
She said the Obama administration, through its NI economic envoy Declan Kelly, would continue to work hard to secure the future economic development of Northern Ireland.
She said she would be hosting a meeting with First Minister Robinson and Deputy First Minister McGuinness in Washington soon to discuss future investment in the North.
“I am confident that people of Northern Ireland will make the most of this moment. And I want to reaffirm the commitment of the United States - and my personal commitment as well-to support Northern Ireland in every way we can.”
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