Hillary Clinton with Staff and Families of Consulate General Belfast

Meeting with Staff and Families of Consulate General Belfast

Remarks

Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State

Aldergrove Military Airport

Belfast, Northern Ireland

December 7, 2012

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SECRETARY CLINTON: It’s a great pleasure to be here again, and I want to personally thank each and every one of you for the work that you are doing here. Let me start by thanking the Ambassador. Lou, thank you so much for your leadership and your indefatigable approach toward representing our country throughout the United Kingdom. And let me thank you, Consul General, for your leadership. I know it’s been a tough but exciting year in 2012. And we are grateful. I know you’ve only been here at the helm just a few months, but you’ve done an outstanding job. And Natalie, I want to thank you as well. You’ve become an integral member of the community, and your – what I’m told is your late-night dinners and your dog therapy – (laughter) – your border collie, Sam.
Well, I was here the first time 17 years ago this month, when we took a significant step toward trying to assist in the peace process, and it’s a real joy to be back here 17 years later. And the work we’ve done over those 17 years would not have been possible without all of you. This is a group that I’m told makes it a habit of punching above your weight. You may be small, but you are mighty. There’s only 24 of you, but you seem to be everywhere simultaneously and continuing our work to support peace and reconciliation. This requires vigilance, and that vigilance is something that we count on you to provide.
Then you’ve got the G-8 summit with President Obama coming to Northern Ireland for the very first time. There also is a large sporting event in the work, VIP visits, and so much more. And thanks to you for going to London to lend a hand every so often, like during the Olympics, which I know you did.
I am grateful to you, American and Irish alike, because this is a place that is very important to the American people. There’s a lot of – as I said yesterday in Dublin – a lot of connections with the whole island of Ireland. And as Peter Robinson never ceases to remind me, a lot of presidents came from here. (Laughter.) I’m not quite sure all the ones he’s counting, but I think that’s true. (Laughter.)
So can I have the Irish staff raise your hand for just a minute, all the Irish staff? Excellent. And who is Lorna? (Laughter.) Lorna, I’m told you’ve been here over 20 years.
PARTICIPANT: Yes.
SECRETARY CLINTON: So what did we do, take you out of grammar school? (Laughter.)
PARTICIPANT: Fifty next year. (Laughter.)
SECRETARY CLINTON: Oh, that’s excellent. Well, both to our locally employed staff here and our great American staff, thank you. And it’s a small enough group that I want to shake everybody’s hand. (Laughter.) I usually can’t say that. But I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Merry Christmas, and have a great Happy New Year. And it’s been a real honor serving with you. Thank you. (Applause.)

Secretary Clinton on Northern Ireland **UPDATE** Includes Background Briefing

(heh- heh! Enjoy the snow! Cute!)

Hillary spoke about Northern Ireland yesterday morning at the prayer breakfast, and I know she cares deeply that this devolution succeeds. Just a little over a week ago, when she was in London, Sinn Fein and the Unionists had come to an impasse. Behind the scenes, she and Gordon Brown negotiated with both parties according to a UK source. The good news is that the parties have gotten past that particular bump in the road, and the devolution continues. The photos are from her visit there in October.

**UPDATE**
A background briefing on Northern Ireland was released, so I am adding it to this post. I have not found a transcript for the Q&A with the press at the end of the video. If I do, I will add it here as well, so that everything is in one location.

The passages I bolded in the background briefing reflect, I think, what is so typical of the Hillary Clinton so many of us know and love, the Hillary who works tirelessly in the background and declines credit for the good she does. I am very certain that her intervention was integral in attaining this latest ascension up the tall ladder of unity in Northern Ireland. But Hillary Clinton will always deflect the praise and aim the limelight on others with whom she has labored to reach an accord. That is simply who she is and how she operates. It is also very much a quality of character so many of us accept and admire about her. I, for one, am very mindful of the role she has long been playing in this peace process. I know the devolution will succeed, and there will be a final and lasting peace. When it does, I and many, will forever remember the key role she played in the process, even as she disclaims it.
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Regarding Northern Ireland



Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
February 5, 2010

Today, Northern Ireland has taken another important step toward a full and lasting peace. Its political leaders have agreed on a roadmap and a timeline for the devolution of policing and justice powers, and they have taken other productive steps as well. The accord they reached today will help consolidate the hard-won gains of the past decade.

This has not been an easy road. There were plenty of bumps along the way. I have been in regular contact with the parties since my trip to Belfast in October, and I know that at times the path forward was far from clear. So I want to applaud all the parties for ultimately choosing negotiation over confrontation. In finalizing this deal, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness and their teams displayed the kind of leadership that the people of Northern Ireland deserve.

I want to recognize the leadership and patient resolve of Prime Minister Brown and Taoiseach Cowen, as well as Northern Ireland Secretary Shaun Woodward and Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin. They have stayed resolutely focused on moving this process forward, forging common ground, and reaching an outcome that would keep Northern Ireland on the path of peace and stability.

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. 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.

This is a dream nurtured for so long in the hearts of people across Northern Ireland. It is also a dream that lives far beyond its borders, in all countries and communities where ethnic and religious conflicts persist. This latest success in Northern Ireland points the way forward—and not only for this one conflict. Northern Ireland gives us hope that, despite entrenched opposition and innumerable setbacks, diligent diplomacy and committed leadership can overcome generations of suspicion and hostility.

Now, we join the world in looking to the leaders of Northern Ireland to build upon their efforts by promoting a new spirit of cooperation among all parties.

As they do, the United States will help. Our Economic Envoy, Declan Kelly, will continue working to help Northern Ireland reap the dividends of peace, including economic growth, international investment, and new opportunities. In the near future, Declan and I will host First Minister Robinson and Deputy First Minister McGuinness here in Washington to discuss further investment in Northern Ireland and ways to build on this agreement.

Today we salute this achievement. We recognize that a new chapter of partnership among Northern Ireland’s political leadership and people must begin. 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. (Enjoy the smow!)

Background Briefing on Northern Ireland


Senior Department Official
Senior Official
Via Teleconference
Washington, DC
February 5, 2010

OPERATOR: Welcome, and thank you for standing by. At this time, all participants are on a listen-only mode until the question-and-answer session of today’s conference. At that time, press *1 if you’d like to ask a question. I would like to inform all parties that this call is being recorded. If you have any objections, please disconnect at this time. I now would like to turn the call over to Mr. P.J. Crowley. Sir, you may begin.

MR. CROWLEY: Thank you very much, and good morning – or, depending on where you are, good afternoon.

Obviously, you heard a short time ago from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, welcoming the developments in Northern Ireland and the decision by its political leaders to move towards devolution of policing and justice powers as a critical step in the process of bringing full authority to Northern Ireland.

We thought that we would just have a senior Administration official kind of walk through a little bit of the background of that – the United States support for the parties as they have reached this critical decision. For your knowledge, in reporting this background session, obviously, attribute it to a senior Administration official. But we have [Senior Administration Official], who has in his portfolio and has been working with the parties for the last year to help them reach this important point.

So with that, [Senior Administration Official], you might have a few opening comments, and then we’ll take your questions.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Thanks, P.J. Hi, guys.

I just thought I would take a minute to kind of set the context and walk through the way in which the Secretary and the U.S. Government has engaged in this process over the course of the past year since the Obama Administration came into office, capped off by pretty intensive engagement here in the past few weeks.

You all probably know that Secretary Clinton has a longstanding commitment to the peace process in Northern Ireland that began in her days as First Lady. She’s got a personal investment in it and close personal relationships with many of the key players in Northern Ireland. And quite early on in her tenure, the leadership of Northern Ireland – the first minister and the deputy first minister – came to the United States around St. Patrick’s Day and met with her to talk about the ways in which she and the U.S. could be supportive in working through the devolution of policing and justice, and the other remaining outstanding issues from the Good Friday and St. Andrews agreements. And she made the decision, not too long after that, that she would be personally engaged at a very sort of regular – at regular intervals, and that she would use her own good offices and build on her own good relationships to lead the U.S. efforts with respect to the peace process in Northern Ireland.

At the same time, she also made the decision to appoint an economic envoy for Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly, to help the people and the leadership of Northern Ireland realize the benefits of the peace that they had built – to leverage investment, to promote opportunities for more investment in trade going both ways in the U.S. and Northern Ireland, and dispatched Declan to begin an intensive work program over there.

And as a sort of signal of her commitment, she made a trip to Belfast that many of you will remember, in October, and in the course of that trip not only had intensive discussions about how to help facilitate the terms of what ultimately became the agreement today, but also gave a speech to the parliament, to the Assembly, the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont, where she talked about her support for the process for devolution and the United States Government’s broader support for moving this process forward and consolidating the gains over the past decade.

She also, on a regular basis, was in touch with First Minister Robinson, Deputy First Minister McGuinness. She had phone calls at various times with other leaders in Northern Ireland, including Reg Empey, Arlene Foster, talked regularly to Secretary of State Woodword. He visited the States on a couple of occasions. And at one point in the fall last year, she sent Jake Sullivan, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary, to Northern Ireland, along with Declan Kelly, to do an intensive day of sessions with the parties to talk about the ways in which we could be helpful in facilitating and supporting the work that they were doing.

And over the course of the past three weeks, as the discussions have intensified, her engagement also intensified. She did a round of calls with the stakeholders, with Sinn Fein and the DUP and the UUP, with Gordon Brown. She spoke with both Secretary of State Woodward and Foreign Minister Martin and has sort of stood by – and stood by, looking for the critical moments where she might be able to place a call that would help provide the sort of support and encouragement that she felt the parties needed to get across the finish line.

And that has been against the backdrop of her view that the overall U.S. role in all of this is to do exactly that, to be the encourager, the facilitator, a supporter, and in both her personal capacity and the U.S. government as a whole, to provide support beyond mere encouragement through the economic envoy.

And so in the coming days or weeks, she’ll welcome First Minister Robinson and Deputy First Minister McGuinness back to the U.S. to start talking about how we can build on this through further investment and economic opportunity in Northern Ireland. And she envisions a continuing role over the course of the next year that looked a lot like the past year as this agreement moves forward into the implementation phase.

So with that, I’d be happy to take your questions.

OPERATOR: Thank you. We’ll begin the question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press *1. Please unmute your phone and record your name clearly when prompted. Again, that’s *1.

Jill Dougherty, your line is open.

QUESTION: Okay. Thank you. Thanks, [Senior Administration Official]. I appreciate your doing this. Could you tell us, was there anything that the Secretary said in the telephone conversations that you’ve had recently that changed the equation or pushed people, you know, further down the road toward this agreement?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Well, I think that she would be the first to say that this was an agreement that was forged by the parties in Northern Ireland and wouldn’t want to take credit for having changed the equation. She feels like it was really the parties working through the process that got them where they needed to go. That being said – and she would add to that, obviously, Brown – Prime Minister Brown and Taoiseach Cowen and playing a critical role in brokering, in a very intensive way, what was happening.

So with that backdrop, I think her role was really both as a diplomat, but also as a former politician, being able to speak frankly with the parties about the considerations that they faced and how they could work through them to display leadership even in the face of certain challenges and constraints in their communities, across communities. And that type of advice, I think, was something that she felt was helpful in the process and was – allowed her to bring a sort of unique perspective.

I think the other piece of it was that she was able to talk to them about the ways in which they could leverage the benefits of this accord on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland, that the United States’s support on the investment, the economic investment side once an agreement was reached, showing that there was forward progress and stability and strong institutions in Northern Ireland would pay dividends that would result in better opportunities for the people of Northern Ireland.

I would say in those two critical respects, her contributions had a positive impact on the process. But above all, it was – she was expressing her view that the United States is here to support the deal more than do the deal, and that the credit for that really goes to the parties themselves and then to the British and Irish Governments.

OPERATOR: Laura Marlowe from Irish Times, your line is open.

QUESTION: Hello, [Senior Administration Official]. Can you tell us a bit more about these economic dividends you just mentioned? That would be my first question. I also wondered – you said she was looking – she stood by looking for the critical moment when she might be able to place a call to help them across the finish line. I wondered, did she actually make a call within the last 24 hours that was sort of the game clincher?

And finally, do you have any idea of the date of First Minister Robinson and Deputy First Minister McGuinness’s visit to Washington? But most of all, what would be the size of the U.S. commitment to investment? Can you give us any amounts or even ballpark figures?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: Sorry, I’m just making sure to write down the three questions so I didn’t forget any of them.

With respect to the economic investment, this is less about direct U.S. contribution – U.S. Government contribution – so it’s hard to talk about size. It’s more about leveraging the sort of power of the private sector, both in the United States and around the world, to see Northern Ireland as a place where there are many investment opportunities that can benefit both the people of Northern Ireland, the people of the entire island of Ireland, and the people of the United States.

And so her strategy was to appoint an economic envoy, Declan Kelly, who has strong ties on both sides of the Atlantic, who has a clear strategy for promoting investment by American companies and other companies in Northern Ireland, and promoting investment by Northern Ireland companies in the United States and elsewhere. And that resulted in – so far has resulted in a number of efforts in terms of working with companies.

And over the course of the next year, Declan, who can speak to this in much more detail than I can, will be looking to make announcements about investment opportunities, about decisions taken by companies to go ahead and invest in Northern Ireland. So I can’t put a dollar figure on it, but that’s the basic strategy. And having a single point person who has her full backing, who traveled with her when she went to Belfast, who met with senior economic leaders in Northern Ireland, who brought with him a trade mission of major U.S. investors, to have that kind of force projection – economic force projection – she sees as being the best way for the United States to help promote economic dividends in Northern Ireland.

And she sees that, in turn, as having significant political benefits, because the more that the people of Northern Ireland see their lives changed and improved and their opportunities increase because of the peace and stability that has been brought about by this series of agreements, the more likely the momentum continues.

With respect to a call in the last 24 hours, she didn’t make a call in the last 24 hours because she believed that having been in regular touch with the British Government and the Irish Government, and we at the staff level having been in regular touch with all of the players over there, that within the last 24 hours, this had reached a stage where it really was about the DUP working through its own internal party processes and coming to a final decision, and that she didn’t have a particular role to play in that. But within the last week, she has spoken with the parties and with Prime Minister Brown. And so as this set of negotiations reached a critical stage over the course of the past 10 or 20 days or so, she found time to reach out to the parties to talk to them about how to get to this final outcome.

And then in terms of firm dates for when First Minister Robinson and Deputy First Minister McGuinness will visit the U.S., those haven’t been set yet. As she earlier today, she spoke with both of them this morning, and we’re – they’re going to work out a time that works for them to come over and for her to host them in a way that is going to be most productive towards producing the kinds of economic investment opportunities that she talked about and that we’re committed to helping Northern Ireland with.

QUESTION: Thank you. Thanks.

OPERATOR: Colm Heatley with Bloomberg News, your line is open.

QUESTION: Hi, thanks. I’m wondering if you could tell me more about the planned investment conference for Northern Ireland. It’s supposed to take place in early spring. And Gerry Adams today mentioned that Hillary Clinton was going to organize the event. Give me some idea of the scale of it, when it’s likely to happen, who might be involved.

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think that our plan right now is to take this one step at a time.

And the first step is going to be, as the Secretary said earlier today, to have First Minister Robinson and Deputy First Minister McGuinness come to Washington, sit down with her and Declan Kelly and other senior officials here at the State Department, and really think through in a step-wise way – and involve also the people at Invest Northern Ireland and other senior leaders in the Northern Ireland assembly, really think through in a step-wise way what the best timing, strategy, and shape of the entire investment enterprise will be. And whether that takes the form of a one-off conference or whether it takes some other form, I think is something she wants to do further consultations on before she announces any details or makes any decisions.

So I would say that our current thinking is to take this one step at a time, that she is absolutely committed to aggressive action in the near term on investment. But the precise strategy is something that has to be the result of a collective conversation of all of the stakeholders.

QUESTION: Okay. So there’s no real date, then, at all, and it isn’t actually final if it’s going to be a conference, as such?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: No, there’s no date. And whether it looks like a conference of the sort that you saw – I can’t recall exactly when it was, maybe 2007 – is still under discussion with the British Government, the Irish Government, the parties in Northern Ireland, everybody who’s got a stake in this. It’s all still under discussion.

QUESTION: Okay. And just finally, then when do you think you would have a better idea about that? It’ll be (inaudible)?

SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIAL: I think we’ll have a better idea after she meets with the first minister and the deputy first minister.

QUESTION: Okay. Thank you.

OPERATOR: Again, if you would like to ask a question, please press *1. I show no further questions.

MR. CROWLEY: Okay. Thank you very, very much. And obviously, this is an issue that we will remain focused on, committed to, will provide further details after we continue the conversations that [Senior Administration Official] has just mentioned with our counterparts and the other governments. So thanks very much, and shovel hard later on this afternoon.

Remarks to the Northern Ireland Business Working Group

In the north, one of the top priorities is to get the economy rolling. Hillary met with the Northern Ireland Business Working Group to explain what initiatives and steps the U.S. will be taking to encourage growth there.

Remarks at Top of Northern Ireland Business Working Group
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
The Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
October 12, 2009

MODERATOR: It is an enormous privilege and a pleasure for me to welcome you all to the Queen's University, Belfast, on this gorgeous autumn day.

Madame Secretary, I know that I speak on behalf of everyone in this room when I say how pleased we are to welcome you, and how grateful we are for your continued commitment to Northern Ireland.

The focus of today's meeting is that of economic development. Queen's plays a full role in that respect, through the provision of high-quality graduates, through direct business development, and through industry-led (inaudible) partnerships with companies on both sides of the Atlantic. We enjoy excellent relationships with government and with the NIH and NSF, through the U.S. (inaudible) partnerships, and we work closely with (inaudible) universities in the United States.

Madame Secretary, ladies and gentlemen, our commitment to economic development in Northern Ireland is absolutely total. We are delighted to welcome you all to Queen's today by now handing over to Arlene Foster, Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Investment.

MINISTER FOSTER: Thank you very much, Peter, and Secretary of State, Mr. Ambassador, Deputy First Minister, (inaudible). I very much want to add my thanks for you all being here today, and most especially to the Secretary of State and to Declan (inaudible) in relation to the tasks ahead of us.

And I am absolutely delighted with the establishment of this working group, in particular. I think it's a very exciting opportunity for us all, for Northern Ireland business people (inaudible) the U.S. team, as well. And (inaudible) I think we are going to see some very good company actions (inaudible). And I very much look forward to continuing our work together (inaudible).

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, thank you all. And, Peter, thank you for welcoming all of us to the university. Thank you for your very positive remarks, in the hopes that we (inaudible) this enterprise.

I believe that probably everyone around the table knows our new ambassador (inaudible). You may not know (inaudible) responsible for global partnerships in the State Department. And, of course, you have all become acquainted with our economic envoy, Declan Kelly.

Let me just make a few very brief comments, and then ask Declan to say a few words. But mostly, I want to hear from all of you, and your thoughts and ideas about the way forward.

This enterprise is one to which I am deeply committed. I feel strongly that the work that has gone on over the last years here in Northern Ireland prove that (inaudible) is particularly important. As I said earlier at Stormont, I believe that the political stability (inaudible) peace and economic growth and opportunity are inseparable. And, therefore, it is particularly important to me and to our administration to support you. (Inaudible.) So, I am looking forward to hearing any ideas you have about generating trade, creating jobs, moving (inaudible) economies in a positive direction together. This is an exciting time for Northern Ireland, a challenging time for you, as well as for us.

But I am the perennial optimist. I believe strongly that, you know, we have an opportunity every time there is a challenge. And being smart and creative, flexible, agile, (inaudible) today's economic conditions is an absolute necessity. And, given the track record that we have seen -- I've been involved now for 15 years -- I have no doubt that it will be very positive for Northern Ireland (inaudible).

So, with that, let me ask Declan to (inaudible).

Press Availability Following the Northern Ireland Business Working Group


Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
The Queen's University Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
October 12, 2009

VICE CHANCELLOR GREGSON: Secretary of State, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Queen’s University Belfast is extremely honored to welcome back Hillary Clinton. As First Lady, she made a considerable contribution for the search for peace in Northern Ireland. Her commitment to this place has never wavered, and now as Secretary of State she returns with a focus on economic development to underpin the emergence of a strong and competitive Northern Ireland.

Today, I have pledged Queen’s total commitment to raise aspirations, to create wealth and improve the quality of life for all our people. To this end, we at Queen’s will continue to work with the U.S. Administration, with the Northern Ireland executive, and with business on both sides of the Atlantic.

So ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Secretary of State of the United States of America. (Applause.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. Thank you very much, Vice Chancellor Peter Gregson. It is such a delight for me to be back here at Queen’s University Belfast and to have this opportunity to spend some time talking about the future of Northern Ireland and the potential for the prosperity that is so well-deserved for all of those who have labored along.

I want to thank everyone assembled behind me, most particularly Minister Arlene Foster, Minister Reg Empey, our Ambassador Lou Susman, our Consul General Kamala Lakhdhir. This has been a very successful event, and not so long ago this discussion would not have been as likely as it is today. But today, the situation in Northern Ireland, the peace that has been achieved, is translating into greater opportunities for companies and workers on both sides of the Atlantic. It has been very encouraging to hear the positive and optimistic outlook of business leaders from the United States and Northern Ireland who are meeting to address bilateral trade and investment.

And I’m pleased to have been accompanied by more than a dozen American businessmen and women who have pledged to work with a business delegation from Northern Ireland and with our Special Economic Envoy Declan Kelly to foster even more business activity between us. They will be meeting regularly. They will help Declan develop strategies that can be pursued that will be mutually beneficial and will contribute to the recovery of the global economy.

In the past 18 months, Northern Ireland’s economy has proven sturdier than many others. The people of Northern Ireland have remained competitive, in part because of their skills and their education and their work ethic. This has been particularly true in financial services, health systems, information and communications technology. Even during the economic downturn, there’s been more than $1 billion of inward investment by 40 companies in Belfast and beyond, and several leading American companies have demonstrated their confidence in Northern Ireland by making significant investments in recent years.

Today, NaviNet, a leading U.S. healthcare communications network based in Boston, is announcing plans for a software research and design center in Belfast. Later this month, the Irish Technology Leadership Group will host a forum in Belfast with leading technology firms from Silicon Valley to promote greater trade and cooperation.

We can also be encouraged by recent news that the Titanic Signature Building, the centerpiece of the Titanic Signature Project, will move ahead – full speed ahead, navigating carefully. This is one of the largest real estate projects in Northern Ireland, another reflection of the tangible economic progress underway.

Now, these efforts to promote greater partnership are win-win. We often talk about the investment in Northern Ireland, but there’s also been thousands of jobs created in the United States because of Northern Ireland-led investments. And that greater prosperity, that sense of economic security, will enhance and make more durable the peace that Northern Ireland has worked so hard to achieve.

The opportunities that we discussed today and that were discussed in greater detail at a dinner amongst everyone last night would not have been possible without the heroic and courageous efforts of many leaders in government, the private sector, and in the communities at the grassroots who have steadfastly pushed this land and one another along the path to peace.

The vitality and dynamism of the business sector in Northern Ireland represents a great opportunity, first and foremost for the people themselves. But it also sends a strong signal far beyond Belfast or the shores of Northern Ireland. It sends a signal that there is a path toward peace, there is a way forward despite the difficulties, there is the potential for prosperity to accompany and to help catalyze peace, and vice versa.

So we are looking forward to the work of this distinguished group, and I am very grateful for the opportunity that I have had to play a small role in encouraging the extraordinary progress that I have witnessed with my own eyes over the last 14 years. So again, thanks to all of you in government and in business and in academia and every other sector of society in Northern Ireland for making such a commitment and seeing it through, and then realizing the benefits that flow because of that. Thank you all very much. (Applause.)

VICE CHANCELLOR GREGSON: The Secretary will take a few questions. The first question is to Mark Davenport, BBC Northern Ireland.

QUESTION: Thank you very much. Welcome to Belfast, Madame Secretary. First of all on the key question of devolution of justice, you met with key players today. How do you think they might be prepared to make a decisive move forward?

And also given your role at the State Department, can I ask you about (inaudible) Northern Ireland (inaudible) international aspect. You may know that some victims of IRA violence here have been lobbying Libya for compensation. Do you think they should get parity of treatment with those U.S. citizens who’ve already managed to secure compensation over the (inaudible) of the airliner (inaudible) Lockerbie’s government?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Mark, as to the first question, this is clearly a decision that is up to the leaders of Northern Ireland and to the people of Northern Ireland. Obviously, this is not just a decision for leaders to make; it is a decision for people to address and speak out about and decide among themselves.

I think as was clear from my remarks this morning, this remarkable journey that Northern Ireland has been on is not yet complete. But ultimately, the decisions about moving forward rest with those who live here day by day and bear responsibility for making them. But I am encouraged, and certainly, as a friend, would hope to see the progress that has come so far make it possible for even greater positive consequences for the people here and even greater responsibility by the people here for charting their own course.

With respect to your second question, I think that – I grieve for the victims of any violence. I’ve had the honor over the last years to meet with many victims, to meet with the loved ones of those who were killed, to hear the stories of loss and pain that are not confined to any one community or any one neighborhood. And one of the great accomplishments is that so many of those stories and the pain that they bear are part of the past, not the future. But they are also clearly losses that have to be respected, recognized, and honored.

I do not have an opinion about the question you asked specifically, but I think it is important, as we find in any conflict situation, as we move forward to make a better future for the next generation, not to forget the price that was paid by those in the past, and to do what we can to make sure that their loss, their injury, is not forgotten, but that it is honored as we make the tough decisions and take the risks to try to create conditions where no one else will have to face that kind of pain.

VICE CHANCELLOR GREGSON: Next question, Mark Landler, New York Times.

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, you alluded in your speech to a couple of difficult moments along the path – the shooting of the security officers, the debate over devolution. Are either of these an impediment to American businesses investing in Northern Ireland? What incentives beyond moral support, which you’ve noted is important, is the U.S. Government giving to businesses to encourage them to invest here versus anywhere else?

And if I could go off topic just briefly, there are media reports that North Korea has test-fired five short-range missiles. This comes at a time that the North Korean leadership is eager – says it’s eager for talks with the United States and the others. How could you possibly contemplate entering into a dialogue with North Korea after an event like this?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, first, Mark, with respect to investment and economic growth and prosperity in Northern Ireland, I think it goes hand in hand. The announcement of the ceasefires in the 1990s sparked a great deal of interest in the United States and elsewhere in, for the first time, looking seriously at Northern Ireland as a place to invest in and do business in. And because the results for many businesses were positive, the word spread. And because the political leadership kept moving forward, the conditions solidified. So for me, it’s a hand-in-hand kind of analysis, and I’m very optimistic about both the political and the economic future of Northern Ireland.

I think too that the United States Government has had a commitment to the peace and prosperity of Northern Ireland now through three administrations – two Democratic, one Republican. One of the two agreements, the Good Friday Agreement, happened when my husband was president. The second agreement, the St. Andrew Agreement, happened when George Bush was president. So the United States sees it in our interest, and it’s not just a matter of personal connections, family, heritage, ancestry, and the like. We see it in our national interest to support those who take risks for peace, whoever and wherever they are. The world needs more people who are willing to step out and do the hard work of negotiating, of hearing the other side, of being able to get out of one’s comfort zone to recognize what it takes to bring people together, to compromise a little to get so much more.

So we have often said that we support the Northern Ireland process on its merits because of our concern and our commitment to doing so, but we also see it as a story that needs to be told more broadly. And as I mentioned in my speech this morning, I have talked about it in many places throughout the world where conflict still causes the pain and suffering that, unfortunately, we see. And so the United States, in addition to helping to be a convener and a supporter of the decisions that the people themselves must make, we’ll do things like appoint a special economic envoy, we’ll facilitate the kind of participation in groups that we see behind us, because we believe that it’s a very important process with outcomes that have already proven the value of this kind of engagement.

With respect to North Korea, our goals remain the same. We intend to work toward a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula that can demonstrate in a verifiable way that it is. We have made a lot of progress with the other members of the Six-Party Talks who joined us in the very strong sanctions against North Korea and who have been working with us to restart a process there. I have no more information than what we have just heard prior to coming in here. But our goal remains the same. Our consultation with our partners and allies continues unabated. It is unaffected by the behavior of North Korea. We pursue this goal like we pursue all of our national security goals – through obstacles, overcoming challenges, a persistent patience that doesn't have any guarantee of outcome but is a very important way of us building a coalition and creating the space to try to demonstrate clearly to the North Koreans that the international community will not accept their continuing nuclear program.

VICE CHANCELLOR GREGSON: And the final question for Ken Reid, Ulster Television.

QUESTION: Madame Secretary, again welcome to (inaudible).

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you.

QUESTION: Considering the economic problems in your own country, will your interest in Northern Ireland continue, and more specifically (inaudible) other trouble spots in the world?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, certainly my interest will continue, as will that of the Obama Administration, for the reasons that I have already referenced. But you see, we do see the economic prosperity as a two-way street. I have forgotten how many thousands of jobs have been created by Northern Ireland investment in the United States. That would not be possible if the economy and the conditions for investment in a stable, peaceful Northern Ireland were not present. So we have Americans working today because of both political and economic decisions that were made in Northern Ireland. And of course, the contrary is true as well with all of the investments that are coming this way.

We also believe that the interdependent, interconnected global economy that we have witnessed firsthand with the economic recession requires that we think carefully about where we do make investments. And a place like Northern Ireland, with the work ethic, with the educational attainment, with the support of the government, is a particularly attractive environment so long as conditions remain positive. But it’s also a place where we have a lot of common values and shared interests, where we feel very comfortable doing business, and where people from Northern Ireland feel comfortable doing business. We think that’s a win-win.

And certainly, the purpose I have in being here today is to meet with my counterparts in government, meet with these business leaders, and to reaffirm the commitment that I myself have and that this Administration and President Obama have to the people of Northern Ireland. If there were ever any doubts, I hope it’s been put to rest, because as I said earlier, we will stand with you, we will make this journey with you, we will support you as you make the tough decisions that only you can make, because we believe the payoff for you is so considerable, but we also believe it’s in our interest for this to occur and it is a story to tell the rest of the world when the world desperately needs to know there is an alternative. And if you don’t believe it, come to Northern Ireland.

Thank you all very much. (Applause.)

Hillary's Radio Interviews Today in Belfast

As usual, our intrepid Secretary of State held to her word that she would not limit her state tours to ministerial offices. In Blefast today, she granted two radio interviews. This one with George Hook of "The Right Hook" radio show.

Interview With George Hook of "The Right Hook" Radio Show


Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Dublin, Ireland
October 11, 2009

MR. HOOK: (Inaudible) today said Hillary Rodham Clinton. You may be unaware (inaudible).

SECRETARY CLINTON: Oh, I did not know that I am making history, George.

MR. HOOK: Very much history, Secretary.

SECRETARY CLINTON: (Inaudible.) As the Secretary of State, I have (inaudible) many times, but (inaudible).

MR. HOOK: Secretary, could I ask (inaudible) in particular for foreign affairs.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Right.

MR. HOOK: What do you see as the primary difference between this administration and the previous one?

SECRETARY CLINTON: (Inaudible.) But certainly I think it's fair to say the President Obama and I believe that we need to make more partners and friends in the world. We want to be working with countries like Ireland, as we do on a regular basis, to solve problems and meet common challenges.

And we know that the United States has a great deal to contribute, but we also have a great deal to learn. And we want to have that kind of relationship where other countries (inaudible), you know, their responsibilities, and work for a better future.

And Ireland punches above its weight. I mean, the work that Ireland does around the world in peacekeeping and aid and conflict resolution is a real model, and we want more of that.

MR. HOOK: Secretary Clinton, I am old enough to remember Harry Truman. And on the agenda of every American president has been the Middle East. How do you view the Middle East?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, it's on the agenda of every American president, because it is such a difficult situation. And certainly here in 2009, we have a special responsibility to persuade the Israelis and the Palestinians that they need to seriously negotiate towards (inaudible). Israel (inaudible) that it rightly needs, and with the Palestinian people, their aspirations fulfilled for their own sovereign state, where they take responsibility for charting their own future.

MR. HOOK: We are, of course, in Ireland -- we tend to be a bit parochial about it. We're worried about our own (inaudible), just Ireland. And we are worried that President Obama's public (inaudible) about the environment (inaudible).

What do you say to Irish (inaudible) and the Irish people, who see America as crucial and -- to our future economic success?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I had a long conversation with (inaudible) these economic issues (inaudible), I've been with the foreign minister, (inaudible) earlier today.

I think several things. One, that Ireland has faced some very great economic challenges, with the drop in (inaudible) rates to a negative five percent in the last year. But Ireland has also taken some very courageous and necessary steps to be able to put your own house in order. But it's imperative that the American economy recover, that the American worker is productive, the American (inaudible) begins to feel confident again in spending, for the entire global economy to be lifted up.

So, we are all doing our part. We obviously believe that it's in everyone's interest for American businesses to be investing and creating jobs at home and abroad, in countries like Ireland. We are very much in favor of that. But, at the same time, we cannot permit what happened in the global economic arena to ever happen again. So there has to be some changes in behaviors and actions, and that's what we're really focusing on.

MR. HOOK: Finally, Secretary of State, you are going to Northern Ireland tonight. And, of course, the previous Democrat administration had a strong connection with (inaudible) crucially important to the peace process. (Inaudible.)

Do you think -- what are your views on this administration, and how you can help continue that peace process?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, this is a commitment of the American government that goes back to 1993, but it was also of importance to the prior administration. So it's bipartisan in that regard. And, certainly in this administration, we are very committed to continuing to support the peace process.

The Good Friday agreement, the St. Andrews agreement, we're on the brink of what we hope will be another significant milestone in the (inaudible) power to Northern Ireland, and let the people of the north make their own decisions, and accept the responsibility that comes with that. I feel very deeply that this is the right approach for Northern Ireland to take, and I am going to do everything I can to evidence in the north tonight and tomorrow the continuing commitment of the United States, both our government and our people.

You know, the parties, the communities that come (inaudible), they haven't been (inaudible). And we all need to be supporting them: the Irish government, the British government, the American government. But, most of all, the people themselves (inaudible) demand of their leaders the kind of results that are out there waiting (inaudible).

MR. HOOK: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, thank you for giving me this interview. More importantly, well done on a history-making visit by a Secretary of State. And you are welcome back here in any position at any time.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, George. It's a pleasure. I want you to tell our press, George, that I'm making history. I didn't know that.

MR. HOOK: Yes, this is the first ever dedicated visit by a Secretary of State of the United States of America to Ireland. We think Secretary of States have been here before on Presidential business, but never on a dedicated business. And in that regard, yet again, Mrs. Clinton has proved herself to be innovative in what she does.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, George.

(Applause.)

And then another with John Humphrys of the BBC who, as you see, tried to put her on the spot.

Interview With John Humphrys, BBC Radio


Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
En route from Carlton Gardens to Chequers, London, United Kingdom
October 11, 2009

SECRETARY CLINTON: Hello, Mr. Humphrys, this is Hillary Clinton.

MR. HUMPHRYS: Oh, Madame Secretary, hello. Thank you very much for doing this in these slightly unusual circumstances.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I apologize that we couldn't do it in person. My visit is much too short. But I appreciate your being understanding.

MR. HUMPHRYS: On the contrary, it's very good of you. Right. Let's -- I think we are all in a recording mode, are we? Yes, we are. Good.

Secretary of State, President Obama assured Senator McCain that what is happening in Afghanistan cannot be a leisurely process. Is that what it's become, in truth?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I think the President has made it clear that he is committed to pursuing our goals in Afghanistan, goals which we share, not only with your government and people, but with many across the world who understand the ongoing threat from extremism and Jihadi violence emanating from that region.

And what the President is engaged in now is a very thorough scrubbing of the implementation plans for achieving our goals. I actually believe that the in-depth discussions we're having, where we are testing our assumptions, where we are looking at how better to integrate our civilian and military components, and our very clear understanding that Pakistan and the larger region must be addressed as well, is leading to some welcome clarity and the kind of commitment that is needed.

Now, I know that sometimes when people in leadership positions, as the President is, you know, ask questions, ask questions of our military, of our allies, of ourselves, people wonder, "Well, what does that mean?" I think what it means is that, you know, we are going to have a very clear, unambiguous commitment to achieving our goals, and for the United States to demonstrate leadership, along with our friends and allies, because we hold to the conviction that this is in our national interest.

MR. HUMPHRYS: But you seem now to be testing your assumptions to the extent that you are changing the strategy. You are now emphasizing the campaign against al-Qaeda in Pakistan, and arguing that the Taliban in Afghanistan don't actually pose a direct threat to the United States. Is that the case?

SECRETARY CLINTON: No, Mr. Humphrys, it isn't. I know that's been some of the press coverage, and I appreciate this opportunity to clarify.

We are not changing our strategy. Our strategy remains to achieve the goal of disrupting, dismantling, and defeating al-Qaeda and its extremist allies, and denying them safe haven, and the capacity to strike us here in London, or New York, or anywhere else.

It is fair to say that we are doing a much more careful analysis of who actually is allied with al-Qaeda. Not everyone who calls himself a Taliban is necessarily a threat to the UK or to the United States. And I think there has been, to some extent, inherited from our prior involvement in Afghanistan, a lack of clarity. Because there well may be a number of people who currently are considered Taliban who are there because, frankly, they get paid to fight, or because they see no alternative.

Similarly, in Iraq, when we began to more carefully parse out who was really with al-Qaeda in Iraq, and who had been coerced or intimidated, we began to make real progress on the ground in developing partnerships that led to a decrease in the violence, and a glide path that we are all on to turning over the security to the people of Iraq.

So, I think that it is important to note that what we are doing is bringing to bear information and evidence that needs to be part of our thinking, as we implement in the most effective manner.

MR. HUMPHRYS: Does this explain why you seem reluctant to give General McChrystal the extra 30,000 or 40,000 troops that he wants in Afghanistan?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I don't think we can characterize the President's approach to that request, because it is one of several factors that he is taking into account: the current political situation, the election outcome, the role civilians must play, and so much else.

But General McChrystal is present through video conference at his command center, and the chairman of the (inaudible), General Petraeus and Admiral Mullen are at the table with us in the situation room, along with, of course, Secretary of Defense Gates.

So, we are putting into context the request for troops, the request for additional civilian assets, the request that we both expect more and see more coming out of all levels of the government of Afghanistan, that we do more to train up and deploy an operational force of Afghans themselves. So these are all the factors that have to go into the analysis that will lead to the President making his decision.

MR. HUMPHRYS: But the longer you leave this decision, the more it looks like a leisurely process, doesn't it?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, but we also don't want to continue doing what we inherited.

At the time of the President's remarks in March, announcing that he would send more troops -- which was a request of the prior commander -- that we would try to better integrate our civilian and our military efforts, and that we would see Afghanistan and Pakistan -- and particularly their border area -- as the real theater that we are focused on here, I think he made clear that we would reassess after the Afghan elections.

Well, the elections have come and gone, but the results are not yet known. So the President has proceeded to do what I think is responsible. When the commanders were changed -- a quite unusual action, as I am sure you are aware -- the President asked General McChrystal to give him his best estimate as part of the review that was going to take place.

So, this is all in the course of what we think is a responsible approach. You know, one should never doubt our commitment of our leadership. We intend to pursue the goal. We will not rest until we do defeat al-Qaeda. But we want to be smart about how we are proceeding. Now, the lives that our young men and women, both American and British, have put at risk and lost, are very much on our minds. And, you know, we intend to get this as right as it's humanly possible.

MR. HUMPHRYS: Given that --

MODERATOR: Mr. Humphrys, this will have to be the last question. Sorry.

MR. HUMPHRYS: Given the sacrifice that there has been, and given the effort that has been put into it, are you and the President proud to be standing alongside Mr. Karzai, as president of Afghanistan?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Mr. Karzai has been very helpful on many fronts. I think we often overlook the progress that has been made in Afghanistan because of the serious challenges that still exist.

But we are very clear that if this election results in his being re-elected, there must be a new relationship between him and the people of Afghanistan, and between his government and governments like yours and mine, which are supporting the efforts in Afghanistan to stabilize and secure the country.

MR. HUMPHRYS: But you --

SECRETARY CLINTON: So it is a more complex picture than sometimes emerges from snapshot views. But, clearly, we expect more. We are going to be working toward more. And we are anxiously awaiting the final outcome of the election.

MR. HUMPHRYS: Final question, if I may, about Iran. At what stage do you move to the next set of sanctions?

You want what you have described as "crippling sanctions" against Iran if they don't do what is being asked of them in regard to their nuclear program. At what stage do you move to those sanctions? And would they include an embargo on gasoline, on petrol?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, as you know, we have a two-track process. The one track, on diplomatic engagement that we saw in evidence in Geneva with the P5 Plus 1 meeting, has borne some fruit. It was constructive, but not conclusive for Iran to open itself up to inspections of the facility at Qom. And it was also important for them to agree, in principle, to export out their low enriched uranium, and to agree to a next set of meetings.

But we have never stopped working with like-minded nations, most particularly Great Britain, in ensuring that we stand ready to act in a united way if these diplomatic endeavors are not successful. So I can't give you a time line or a date certain, but we are meeting all of the time, and working with others around the world, so that if we conclude at whatever time in the next weeks that this is not proceeding as we believe it should, then we can move to the other track.

MR. HUMPHRYS: All right.

SECRETARY CLINTON: The President has said that we want to see action from Iran by the end of this year, and I think that is a pretty good benchmark.

MR. HUMPHRYS: Can you give us a commitment that America will not sanction military action against Iran?

SECRETARY CLINTON: Oh, we are very clear that our goal is to prevent Iran from becoming a nation with nuclear weapons. We have never put on the table or taken off the table any options. But we have certainly demonstrated that we intend to follow the two tracks that I just outlined to you.

MR. HUMPHRYS: So, military action --

MODERATOR: Thank you, Mr. Humphrys. I think that has to be all for today.

MR. HUMPHRYS: Certainly.

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. Nice to talk with you.

MR. HUMPHRYS: Hillary Clinton, many thanks. Thank you very much, indeed.

Wow! She is a model of consistency. Wherever she goes, and whatever they do to try to shake her, she sticks with that two-track plan. Mr. Humphrys, clearly you don't know our Hillary Clinton!

Remarks With Lord Mayor Long

Secretary Clinton: October 2009
Remarks With Lord Mayor Long at Reception Hosted by the Lord Mayor of Belfast


Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
City Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
October 12, 2009

LORD MAYOR LONG: Secretary Clinton, distinguished guests, councilors, ladies and gentlemen, you’re all very welcome here to Belfast City Hall on this most auspicious of occasions. I’m particularly delighted to welcome back our guest of honor, Secretary of State of Hillary Clinton, to City Hall amidst the occasion of our reopening after the £11 million pound refurbishment program which has been completed over the last two years.

Secretary Clinton has a very long and a very happy association not just with this building, which she has visited on previous occasions, but also with the City of Belfast and with its people. And so it is particularly fitting that she should be with us today and that she was able to undertake the official ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the reopening of this most iconic Belfast building on her arrival.

With all of the various demands upon your time and your attention, not only locally but also internationally, we are very honored and privileged that you have taken the time to visit with us this afternoon and to be part of what is for us a very historic occasion. Your presence makes it all the more special for each of us.

Secretary Clinton, I was listening with great interest as this morning in the Assembly you recounted your memories, very warm memories of switching on the Christmas tree lights at City Hall many years ago when you were First Lady. And I have to say that I too have wonderful memories of that occasion because I was one of the gathered throng outside struggling to see you and who were absolutely thrilled at your presence here at Belfast and out with your husband on that wonderful evening.

For many of us, it was a significant milestone on the journey which we were embarking towards, the more peaceful and stable city in which we stand today. That visit and the continued commitment that the American Administration, allied to your own personal commitment to this city and the region which lies beyond it, has inspired and encouraged many of us to aspire to a better future, and it continues to do so today.

As we stand here today in these magnificent surroundings, I think we can all agree that the refurbishment of this building has been a huge success, and we can appreciate and be proud of the vision of those who built City Hall for future generations over 100 years ago. For those of us who now have the responsibility for taking Belfast forward to the future, it is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the legacy which we will leave behind for future generations. In our reopening and indeed throughout the refurbishment plans and programs, we have aimed to create a City Hall for all. And I trust that our legacy will be one of a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive future for all of the people of Belfast.

The regeneration and restoration of City Hall also reflects the wider change and transformation of the city itself, which I am sure Secretary Clinton will both recognize and welcome. Belfast is an increasingly vibrant and dynamic city – politically, culturally, socially, and economically – and we are committed to further progress.

The links between the United States and Belfast are historically very strong, not least because many left these shores to make new lives for themselves in the land of opportunity. It is testament to the hard work of so many that Belfast is now recognized as a city of opportunity for many around the world, whether they be as new citizens or as investors, and at the council we offer a very warm welcome to both.

Our transformation and regeneration as a city is not complete, but we are emerging from our difficult political past and we are moving forward to a future filled with potential and optimism, a future as a city which truly values the contributions which each person has to make to its success.

We want to extend to you our sincerest appreciation for your continued interest in all that we do. It is good to know that we have the continued support and encouragement of you, Secretary Clinton, and the Obama Administration as we strive to realize our ambitions for this city and its citizens.

Before we move to unveil the plaque which will be erected in City Hall to mark your visit here today, I am delighted to be able to invite you to address our assembled guests. Thank you. (Applause.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Lord Mayor Long, and I am delighted to be back here in this magnificent City Hall and to see so many friends and familiar faces whom I have come to know over the years. I also want to recognize the other distinguished officials who are here with us, and I feel compelled as a former political spouse to recognize Michael Long, the Lord Mayor’s husband. (Applause.) I know that the High Sheriff is here, that the Chief Constable of the Police Services of Northern Ireland are here, and so many other people who play an important role in the unfolding future of this great city.

This reopening could not have come at a better time. I remember so well my first visit back in 1995, and I remember that there wasn’t the level of activity and excitement and energy that one sees here in Belfast today. In fact, it is hard to even recognize the city that I first visited 14 years ago with the shops and the restaurants and the streets bustling. And it takes a special kind of confidence for someone to name a major real estate venture “The Titanic.” (Laughter.) And I think that goes to the full-speed-ahead, forward motion of the people of Belfast and Northern Ireland. And it isn’t any surprise to you to learn that my husband and I have a great deal of affection for this place, for the people whom we have come to know and whom we have admired from afar.

Few expected even on that glorious night 14 years ago that we would be standing here today with all the positive change that has happened. On that night I read two letters. I read a letter from a young girl and a letter from a young boy. And one from a 12-year-old girl read: “All my life I have only known guns and bombs with people fighting. Now it is different. There are no guns and bombs. What I hope is that when I have my own children that there will still be peace and that Belfast will be a peaceful place from now on.”

Well, 14 years later, I think that expression of hope that we heard from that young girl has been recognized. It was a testament to the courage and conviction of so many people in this room. And I have to recognize my old friend, John Hume, for what you did to make this happen.

But I couldn't come here and look out without also recognizing another special group, the women of Belfast, the women of Northern Ireland. They have written that young girl’s wish on their hearts. Mothers and daughters and sisters and wives throughout this city organized and led a united front in the campaign for peace. What I have seen around the world is that very often it is women who worry about their children, who worry about their husbands, who worry about the day-to-day necessities of life, who finally transcend old divisions and find a way to come together on behalf of a more peaceful and prosperous future. And I was so pleased to see a number of my friends from Vital Voices, women whose voices never wavered in their commitment to peace.

So we recognize the passionate advocacy for peace. We recognize the hard work of so many in government and in the business community and all the people of Northern Ireland who have shown bravery in the face of violence and who have made a commitment to a durable peace. And there’s no better place than right here in this City Hall to be reminded. What is now called City Hall was once White Linen Hall, the world’s greatest linen manufacturer. The products made here by both Catholics and Protestants reached ports throughout the globe and proclaimed Belfast as one of the most prosperous cities in Europe.

And I think that it is a reminder that what was could be again. And I understand that a designer has even fashioned a gown inspired by the Belfast City Hall Dome. Now, I will do a lot of things to support the people of Northern Ireland. (Laughter.) A gown shaped like a dome may be a step too far. I think even a ride on the ferris wheel may be a step too far. But every other step I will make with you, and I bring the commitment not only of myself and the great warm wishes of my husband and my daughter, but of President Obama and this Administration and indeed well-wishers from across America who feel very connected and very committed to help you as you continue to make this journey toward a lasting, durable peace with all of the rewards that that will bring.

Thank you, and God bless you. (Applause.)

Ah Hillary! And she ends her Irish speeches with "God bless you."

Address of Secretary Clinton to Full Session of the Northern Ireland Assembly

Here is her address. I cannot wait to see the video. She has completely touched my heart with this work.

United Kingdom
Documents & Texts from the White House
12 October 2009

Parliament Buildings, Belfast
Northern Ireland

MR. SPEAKER: (In progress.) (Inaudible.) And I am delighted that they are so many. Some come to express support for what we do in this place. Others come in the hope of learning from it. All such visits represent interest in working together, internationally, to achieve common aims.

In recent years, members of this assembly have enjoyed opportunities to listen to addresses by many political figures from within these islands and elsewhere in Europe. We also enjoyed and benefitted from the visits of leaders in politics and business from the United States, all of whom have shown a tremendous commitment to the political and economic development in this part of the world, as well as their own.

Among these have been U.S. (inaudible), senators and mayors, (inaudible) by President Clinton. Certainly (inaudible) were such that a (inaudible) was not possible. But today we meet together as the assembly, as members on all sides have shown, they continue to show a commitment to make the politics work in Northern Ireland.

And now they have done so, they receive much support and encouragement from the United States of America, from its political (inaudible) and very much economic (inaudible). (Inaudible) partnerships have been developed, and we hope to continue (inaudible) starting with the many years ahead.

With that in mind (inaudible) that this morning it gives me great pleasure to welcome to our assembly chamber the U.S. Secretary of State, Mrs. Hillary Clinton. Madame Secretary, this is not your first visit to Northern Ireland. And so we are mindful your coming here today reflects your ongoing personal commitment, as well as the commitment of the U.S. administration, to the political, social, and economic development of Northern Ireland. And I am delighted that you accepted my invitation to address members of our assembly this morning.

(Inaudible) Madame Secretary to address the members. Madame Secretary?
(Applause.)

SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for your very warm welcome. But, indeed, it is I who is honored today to be here in this assembly, in this beautiful land that represents so much, not only to my country, but indeed, to the world, a place where bullets have been traded for ballots, where ancient hatreds have yielded to new hopes, and the promise of a lasting peace has given people permission, after years of uncertainty and despair, not just to dream again of a better future for yourselves and your children, but to act on those dreams.

So, let me first pay tribute to leadership of Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness, your first minister and your deputy first minister, and also to the other party leaders, Mark Durkan and Reg Empey, David Ford, Dawn Purvis, and Gerry Adams. Thank you for all that you are doing.

And I am told, as well, that here we have two other men who have instrumental in the history of Northern Ireland, Dr. Ian Paisley and John Hume. And I welcome and thank them for what they have done, as well.

We meet at an important time in the history of Northern Ireland. In the 11 years since the Good Friday Agreement was signed, you have traveled a long way together on the road to peace. Groups have laid down their weapons. Empty streets are now bustling with activity. And here, in this chamber, men and women who were once sworn enemies work side by side to secure the achievements of recent years, and to deliver a stable, prosperous future for the people you represent.

These accomplishments are remarkable, and a credit to you and to all those who have worked for peace, not only the leaders here at Stormont, but also Westminster and Leinster House. But most importantly, to the thousands of ordinary citizens, mothers and fathers, whose determination to end the Troubles made them fervent activists for peace.

At this time, we can recognize you have traveled a great distance. But you do not need me to tell you that your journey is not yet over. The promise of the Good Friday Agreement and the St. Andrews Agreement is not yet fully realized. And Northern Ireland is now facing a new challenge with the global economic downturn, which threatens some of the gains that you have made in the past decade.

The value of peace is not only the absence of violence. It is also the presence of new opportunities for investment and jobs, for education and health care, and political participation. So it is critical, in this moment of economic turmoil, to protect the progress you have already achieved, and to build upon it, to ensure that your people continue to enjoy the rewards of peace, and to embrace it for the long term.

Since this assembly was restored two-and-a-half years ago, this devolution has enabled you to work together to enact sensible, necessary reforms on everything from health to housing to environmental safety. No one ever said it was going to be easy. Of course it is difficult. It is the nature of democracy. It is not easy in any legislature, as I know from experience, under the best of circumstances. But in these circumstances, the work you have done is all the more extraordinary.

So, please know that the Obama administration and the United States is committed to helping you finish your journey to put far behind you the long years of division and conflict, to build confidence and trust across all communities and political parties, and to honor the hopes and sacrifices of your people by making whole and permanent Northern Ireland's emerging peace.

Now, we know what it means to be supportive. And we also know what it means to meddle. And I want to be clear that when it comes to the important issue of devolution, of policing and justice, that is a decision for this assembly to make. But as a true friend -- and I thank the Speaker for his kind comments -- my hope is that you will achieve what you have set out to do, to complete the process of devolution. And I am confident that, together, you can go forward and harness the exciting, human, and economic potential that Northern Ireland has to offer.

I know there has been considerable effort in recent weeks to address concerns, and work toward a resolution during this important period. There have been many moments in Northern Ireland's peace journey when progress seemed difficult, when every route forward was blocked, and there seemed to be nowhere to go. But you have always found a way to do what you believed was right for the people of Northern Ireland. As Scripture urges us, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

And today, Northern Ireland stands as an example to the world of how even the staunchest adversaries can overcome differences to work together for the common and greater good. So, I encourage you to move forward now with that same spirit of unstoppable grit and resolve. And I pledge that the United States will be behind you all the way, as you work toward peace and stability that lasts.

In recent months, more paramilitary groups have made the decision to decommission their weapons -- a necessary act that is critical for peace. But the killings this March, of Police Constable Stephen Carroll and soldiers Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimkar remind us that there are still those looking to seize any opportunity to undermine the process, and to destabilize this government.

Now they are watching this assembly for signs of uncertainty or internal agreement. They want to derail your confidence. And though they are small in number, their thuggish tactics and destructive ambitions threaten the security of every family in Northern Ireland. Moving ahead together with the process will leave them stranded on the wrong side of history.

Of course, the best guard against those bent on dragging Northern Ireland back to the past is not an edict from the top, but the day-to-day faith and fortitude of the people of Northern Ireland. In the days after the killings, the world watched and prayed that a new period of violence would not erupt. In fact, the murders had the opposite effect. Ordinary people, Catholics and Protestants alike, marched together in vigils, attended interfaith services, and declared with one voice their refusal to go back to the old ways, and their insistence on looking to a brighter future. The killings could have been the start of a backward slide. Instead, they proved to the world and to each of you how far you have come.

I know the divisions within Northern Ireland are not fully healed. Even today, many Catholics and Protestants live segregated lives: separate schools, separate neighborhoods, some still divided by walls. But given time, and given the leadership that each of you can provide, the torn fabric of society will be woven together, stitch by stitch, choice by choice.

The people of Northern Ireland have given this assembly a powerful mandate. And you, in turn, have accepted the responsibility to summon the highest qualities of leadership, and to repay the faith that the people have vested in you with lasting results. That means not just completing devolution, but using your authority wisely, as you have been, to build a thriving society, where people can live free from fear, where parents can raise healthy families, where ever child can receive a high-quality education, and all people, no matter their religion or their political beliefs, have the chance to make the most of their God-given potential.

We have already seen, firsthand, how peace helps promote economic growth and opportunity. After the Good Friday Agreement, Northern Ireland's economy took off: unemployment fell, house prices rose, new businesses flourished. International investment increased, as well. Since the cease fires of the 1990s, the number of U.S. companies in Northern Ireland has increased by 150 percent. And U.S. investment alone has increased employment by creating 20,000 jobs here since 1994. Now, our businesses have long been interested in investing, but it was your commitment to peace that finally made it possible.

Across the world, as the Speaker referenced, Northern Ireland is seen as a model of how resolving conflict can lead to genuine progress, and material improvement in people's lives. So, in the face of the economic downturn, it is essential to protect and strengthen the progress you have made by enacting smart reforms, investing in your people in health and education and job training services, encouraging entrepreneurship, and continuing to attract foreign investment.

Here again, your commitment to a permanent peace based on the principles and agreements you've adopted must be unequivocal and unwavering. Northern Ireland's success in the competitive global economy depends on investors believing that you will do all you can to maintain political stability and public safety, just as your success in keeping the trust of your people relies on your ability to prove that peace leads to meaningful improvements in their lives. Peace and economic progress should go hand in hand.

The United States will continue to strongly support your efforts to provide greater opportunities. We intend to increase our economic engagement. Later today, our new economic envoy, Declan Kelly, and I will meet with business leaders from the United States and Northern Ireland, who have agreed to increase business-to-business collaboration between our people.

Establishing a last peace, building a strong economy, creating the conditions for a healthy, flourishing society, none of this is easy. And the work is never done. Indeed, none of these goals are final destinations. You have to keep working at them day by day. That certainly is a lesson we have learned over the 230 years in our own country. And we keep relearning them all of the time. We, too, have struggled to achieve unity.

But my country has long felt a special connection with Northern Ireland. Many Americans, as you know so well, have ancestral ties to this land. They have family and friends who still live here. So, helping to bring peace is a point of national pride. And, for many of us, it also has great personal meaning.

For me, this is very personal. My husband and I came here in 1995. Bill was deeply invested in forging the Good Friday Agreement before, and in the years since. I came here as First Lady, and then as a senator from New York. And I joined with every American in celebrating of the signing of the St. Andrews Agreement. And, by the way, every I was in the Senate, I had an intern from Northern Ireland, and one of whom came back and ran for office herself.

So, over the years, Bill and I have had the privilege of meeting many of you. And I learned that peace is not only made in the halls of government, but at kitchen tables, and in local pubs, and school yards, workplaces, and in the hearts of people in every neighborhood.

Changing hearts is the hardest work of all. It is hard for an individual, harder still for a community, where every loss or injustice, pain or resentment is magnified. But leaders like all of you are elected to offer a choice between allegiance to a past that cannot be changed, and commitment to a different future that you shape.

When Bill and I first came to Belfast, we stayed at the Europa Hotel, as I have again this time, even though then there were sections boarded up because of damage from bombs. We went to City Hall, as I will later today, for the lighting of the Christmas tree. There were people stretched in all directions, as far as I could see: mothers clutching babies, fathers with children on their shoulders, all with upraised faces. I have carried that image in my mind over the last 14 years. I have wondered about the children whose lives were changed, and maybe even saved, because many of you took risks for peace.

This peace is yours. People in this hall have the power to secure and sustain it for generations to come. I pray that you succeed. And I pledge that we will stand with you as you do the hard work of building a future of peace and prosperity for people who so richly deserve it.

May God bless you and sustain you in this important work. Thank you all very much.

(Applause.)

Hillary Clinton to Address Stormont Assembly to Urge Devolution Deal

The Belfast Telegraph reports that Secretary Clinton's visit to Northern Ireland will focus on an historical and important agreement to provide more power to the Stormont Assembly, the unicameral legislative body of Northern Ireland. Established in 1998, the Assembly exercises legislative powers not reserved to Parliament. Hillary Clinton has long been involved in helping to seek peaceful solutions to "the troubles," as they are known, in the north. It's why the Irish love her so much.

The Secretary will be addressing the Assembly tomorrow, and will be speaking with leaders of Sinn Fein and the unionist party to encourage agreement on some details that have stalled the deal which would lead to the establishment of a ministry of justice at Stormont.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will today hold talks with Northern Ireland's political leaders in Belfast as they broker an historic deal on sharing responsibility for the region's justice system.

Republicans and unionists have yet to finalise an agreement on devolving policing and justice powers from Westminster to the Stormont Assembly, but lengthy talks with Prime Minister Gordon Brown last week carved out a financial blueprint for the move.

The American delegation will today discuss its continued political and economic support for the Irish peace process when Mrs Clinton meets First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

The US Secretary is making her seventh visit to Northern Ireland since she first arrived as First Lady with her husband President Bill Clinton to famously boost the fledgling search for peace in the 1990s.

READ MORE HERE

Hillary Now in the North

In this photo issued by the Northern Ireland Government Office, showing U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, centre, being greeted by First Minister Peter Robinson, right, and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, left, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Sunday Oct. 11, 2009, as Clinton arrived for talks in Belfast. The U.S. Secretary of State Clinton is conducting a five day multi-nation tour of Europe.
(AP Photo / John Harrison)

Well the photos and the news are leaking out almost as slowly as when she was in Angola! At least I can tell you, for the moment, where in the world Hillary Clinton is!