[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="620"] ‘The principles of the Belfast agreement are more important than ever.’ Stormont. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images[/caption]
Hillary Clinton
6-8 minutes
Twenty years ago, the Good Friday/Belfast agreement helped bring an end to decades of conflict and violence in Northern Ireland. It was a watershed moment – the result of diplomatic efforts within the halls of government and extraordinary actions of ordinary women and men who reached across longstanding and bitter divides.
Today, the agreement stands not only as a local framework for shared understanding, but as a shining example of what’s possible when citizens come together to demand peace, and preserve it across generations. As the world celebrates this significant anniversary, we must also remain vigilant in protecting the agreement in the face of our current challenges – from the uncertainties heralded by Brexit to the hurdles posed by the impasse in devolved government in Northern Ireland – and do all we can to deliver on the unrealised aspirations of human rights and equality that were espoused that day in April 1998.
Even now, I can picture clearly my husband’s first trip to Northern Ireland as president. On a cold winter night in 1995, Bill and I joined thousands of people at Belfast city hall for the lighting of the Christmas tree. As Catholics and Protestants alike came to that spot from their deeply divided neighbourhoods, there was no guarantee that violence wouldn’t break out; yet they came with a sense of hope, after so many seasons of darkness. Read more >>>>
Bill and Hillary Clinton have a special relationship with Ireland and
those involved in the peace process. Today, the former president spoke
at the funeral of former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness who passed away earlier this week.
The former First Lady said Clinton's touching tribute at the Derry mass should be watched by those who want to be inspired
By Kieran Dineen
24th March 2017,7:12 pm
HILLARY
Clinton has told of how she was left crying after listening to Bill
Clinton’s moving words at the funeral of Martin McGuinness.
The former First Lady, US Senator and Secretary of State shared a CNN clip of the eulogy online this evening.
Bill Clinton gently touches the coffin of Martin McGuinnessAnd she tweeted: “Bill’s speech brought tears to my eyes. Wanted to share it. Watch if you want to be inspired today.”
It has been shared more than 3,000 times since it was posted an hour ago.
The
clip is of Bill Clinton saying at Thursday’s service in Derry: “I
believe the only way a lasting peace can ever take hold and endure is if
those who have legitimate, legitimate griefs on both sides embrace the
future together.
“Somewhere along the way, for whatever reason, he
decided to give peace a chance. He realised that you can have an
Ireland that was free and independent and self-governing and still
inclusive.
Martin McGuinness with Hillary Clinton“That the dreams of little children were no more or less legitimate just because of their faith backgrounds.
You
might not know me, but my name is Stella O’Leary and I founded Irish
American Democrats to support candidates who promote peace and
prosperity in Ireland. Hillary, more than any other 2016 presidential
candidate, fits that bill.
It may be hard to remember,
but 20 years ago, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland would have been anything
but happy. Back then, Hillary traveled to Northern Ireland to help
resolve what had been a decades-long conflict.
Hillary
brought Catholic and Protestant women together over tea and soda bread.
Her inspiration, and the Irish women’s groups she helped build, are the
heart of the peace process today. Share their story to bring smiles to Irish faces this St. Patrick’s Day.
In part because of Hillary’s work, I can say:
Finally, a Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Sincerely,
Stella O’Leary
P.S. I wish you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day. I don’t say lightly that a vote for Hillary brings smiles to every Irish face—please share this story to wish your friends and family a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
Former US president Bill Clinton has praised Seamus Heaney as "our
finest poet of the rhythms of ordinary lives" and a "powerful voice for
peace".
The farmer's son who went on to become a world renowned Nobel laureate died in hospital in Dublin aged 74.
Mr Clinton and his wife Hillary said they were saddened to learn of the death of their "friend".
"Both
his stunning work and his life were a gift to the world. His mind,
heart, and his uniquely Irish gift for language made him our finest poet
of the rhythms of ordinary lives and a powerful voice for peace. And he
was a good and true friend," the Clintons said.
"We loved him and
we will miss him. More than a brilliant artist, Seamus was, from the
first day we met him, a joy to be with and a warm and caring friend - in
short, a true son of Northern Ireland. His wonderful work, like that of
his fellow Irish Nobel Prize winners Shaw, Yeats, and Beckett, will be a
lasting gift for all the world." Read more >>>>
In June 2009, Hillary Clinton, rushing to a meeting at the White
House with Richard Holbrooke, slipped on the wet, oily floor of the
State Department garage and fractured her elbow. Concerned, Holbrooke
wanted to stay with her, but she told him to proceed to the White House
meeting without her. "That's an order," she said.
She
was brought to the hospital where surgery was performed. Pins and a
rod were inserted, and she worked from home for a few days. When she
returned to the office we saw glimpses of her wearing what we called the
"Sling of State." On June 29 she returned to the press room for the
first time since the accident.
Three-and-a-half
years down the road, at the conclusion of her final trip as Secretary
of State, Hillary fell ill - her last stops were Ireland and Northern
Ireland. Here she is with Taoiseach Enda Kenny who was in New York for the parade today.
Her
first official public event upon her return this time was to thank
retiring Ambassador ro Ireland, Dan Rooney and his wife Patricia for
their service. She awarded them the flag that had flown over Embassy
Dublin during his tenure and the Chief of Mission flag. Here is an
excerpt of what she said.
So
you and Patricia have done a fabulous job and I am so pleased to have
this chance formally to present you two flags – the Chief of Mission
flag, and the flag of the United States, as a small token of your very
successful tenure in Ireland.
There you go. (Applause.) And Patricia, this one’s for you. You also served.
The
love affair between Bill and Hillary Clinton and Ireland did not begin
with her service at the State Department and is certain not to end
there. They are both loved on the Emerald Isle. Both of them are sure
to return many times over.
We wish them and all of our readers a
Happy and Blessed St. Patrick's Day. Our Irish eyes are smiling for all
the good they have done. We wish Ambassador and Mrs. Rooney and their
considerable family the same.
Having collected three awards on her final official visit to the
Emerald Isle, Mme. Secretary's work for peace in the north has garnered a
nomination for an important award.
US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has been nominated for a peace award just days after visiting Ireland.
A short list of five people have been released for the 2012 Tipperary International Peace Award.
Pakistani
schoolgirl Malala Yousafzai who was shot earlier this year, president
of the Indian National Congress Sonia Ghandi, former Kenyan journalist
John Githongo and Pax Christi International, a non-profit Catholic peace
movement, have also made the list.
The award winner will be announced on January 1. Read more >>>>
NEW YORK, Dec. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International humanitarian organization Concern Worldwide presented U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today with its inaugural Fr. Aengus Finucane Award for Services to Humanity.
Secretary
Clinton was in Dublin December 6 and 7 as part of her last official
visit to Ireland to participate in the ministerial meeting of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The
Secretary also met with Irish officials to discuss areas of cooperation
in promoting peace, human rights, and economic growth, and delivered a
major speech on U.S. achievements in support of human rights globally.
After that speech at Dublin City University, Concern Worldwide CEO Tom
Arnold presented the Secretary with the award. Read more >>>>
The
Worldwide Ireland Funds presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to US
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to salute her commitment to peace and
reconciliation in Northern Ireland over her two decades as First Lady,
US Senator and Secretary of State.
The specially commissioned
Belleek China piece was presented at a luncheon hosted by The Worldwide
Ireland Funds in front of 500 guests from all sides of the community in
Northern Ireland as well as business, civic, community and cultural
leaders. Special guests who attended the event included The First
Minister and Deputy First minister of Northern Ireland, along with
members of the diplomatic, sporting and entertainment worlds.
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
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.)
This
is an absolute personal delight for me to have this opportunity to be
here with so many people who I have known over so many years and who
have made contributions large and small over those years to bring peace
to this beautiful land. And I am very grateful to you, Karen, for
putting this together and for everything you do at the Worldwide Ireland
Funds. It is a great tribute to the Funds that you are exceeding your
funding goals in this time of recession, because people are still so
committed to doing what must be done to continue supporting the
peacemakers and the decision makers here in Northern Ireland.
I could be here for a long time acknowledging people, which would be a
terrible mistake on my part. But I do have to mention a few whom I see
in the audience. I am honored to be joined by two men who are known for
their commitment to peace and their willingness to work for it, John
Hume and David Trimble. (Applause.) Thank you. Thank you (inaudible).
And of course I’ve had already an excellent discussion with Peter and
Martin and the more that I have the chance to be with them and work
with them, the more impressed I am by their steady leadership and their
very sensible, down-to-earth, practical approach to providing the peace
and the peace dividend that the people of Northern Ireland so graciously
deserve. They both said these incredibly nice things about me. They
exceeded their quotient for eloquence by a long shot, but it means the
world to me because I not only consider them colleagues, but friends.
And so Peter and Martin, thank you. Thank you for what you do every day.
(Applause.)
Minister Ford, Secretary Villiers, thank you as well for your
contributions. And I was told that Doctor Paisley was here. (Applause.)
Dr. Paisley, thank you so much for being here today. It’s just wonderful
seeing you and I hope I’ll have a chance to personally greet you before
I leave. I was also told Gerry Adams was here. Is Gerry here? Hi,
Gerry. (Applause.) I also want to recognize Lou Susman, who has served
so (inaudible) as our U.S. Ambassador. And also our Consul General,
Greg, thank you for your services here. And I, too, will acknowledge and
thank our former Economic Envoy Declan Kelly who has done so much to
help bring more investors to the region, and I thank you for your
contributions, Declan. (Applause.)
I’m sorry that Loretta cannot be here, but we send our best wishes to
Loretta Brennan Glucksman and thank her for her chairmanship of the
American-Ireland Fund. But it really is remarkable that for 35 years the
Funds have promoted peace without taking sides, and they have been
viewed as an important participant in the process of bringing people
together. And I was delighted to hear that so many of the groups that I
know continue to do such good work will be supported by them.
There are a number of my former interns who are here from the Ireland
Funds, who I was privileged to host in my Senate office. They are
extraordinary young people. I am very proud of them. And one of them I
first – she first came to my attention in 1995 when she was 14 years old
and she sent Bill and a deeply moving letter about the future she
dreamed of for Northern Ireland. Then I knew her as a bright young
intern when she came to work in my office and helping serve my
constituents in New York, and apparently that experience really took
because today we know her as the Lord Mayor of Armagh, Sharon Haughey.
(Applause.) Sharon, why don’t you stand up? Where are you, Sharon? The
next generation of leadership. There she is, way back there. Do you have
your chain on – you got it? Good. (Laughter.) And I think she’s getting
married later this month, so congratulations on that.
One person who is not here that I could not come to Northern Ireland
and address any group without mentioning is Inez McCormack. Inez stands
out amongst the extraordinary people I have met and worked with over the
last 17 years. She inspired and motivated me, challenged me often, and
we’re sending her our thoughts and our prayers and our best wishes as
she fights a courageous battle against cancer. (Applause.)
Now, I think that we have all recognized and applauded already today
the fact that the peace has proven remarkably durable, but I think it is
only fair to say it is being tested, it will continue to be tested.
Prison officer David Black, who was murdered last month, the police and
citizens who have been assaulted, the elected officials threatened,
including Naomi Long, who is here with us today – it has been a sad
reminder, unfortunately, that despite how hardy the peace has been,
there are still those who not only would test it but try to destroy it.
And I really commend the leaders and citizens from the many groups who
have condemned this violence, and of course, I join them in condemning
it as well.
It’s very clear that the voices of the responsible leadership are
needed more than ever to remind us all that peace comes through dialogue
and debate, not violence, and we have to be strong in the face of
provocation and testing that will continue. Democracy is a challenging
form of self-government, but it is the best that has ever been invented
by any human being, and therefore we have a lot to be both proud of and
very careful to continue nurturing. And for me, it is a reminder as well
that we have to continue to make sure that the promise of peace is
delivered. Because the progress in a democracy can never be taken for
granted, even progress so hard-won as here.
I remember very well when Bill and I came 17 years ago this month. He
was the first American president ever to set foot in Northern Ireland.
We stood behind a bulletproof screen to turn on Belfast’s Christmas
lights in front of a vast crowd that stretched so far I could not even
find the end of it in any direction. And it was a moment of such hope.
And it has been that image that has kept me going through any challenges
that have come across my mind when I think about what lies ahead. I
said this morning in Stormont that a little girl, Catherine, who was
there that night, said that her Christmas wish was that peace and love
would last in Ireland forever. That is an appropriate Christmas wish for
this season as well.
I also remember that there were still roadblocks, not just because
the President of the United States was visiting. There were still
searches for explosives as one walked into department stores. Those
roadblocks are gone and the searches have ended. Many of us did a
double-take when, this summer, Queen Elizabeth came for a visit and
joined Martin McGuinness in that historic handshake. More and more
foreign students are coming here to study at Queen’s and Ulster
universities. So there still is such a sense of hope. But we know that
we’re suffering in a terrible economic downturn, and I think it’s
important to recognize that there has to be an economic return on peace,
especially for democracies that have to deliver results for people.
And although the real credit of the progress that has been made
belong to the people of Northern Ireland, those of us who have tried to
help along the way, like George Mitchell or my husband and so many
others, will continue to walk with you as you practice and tend to this
peace. It is always a work in progress, and we have to do more to get
out of the ballrooms, out of Stormont, into the communities where people
live, where there yet is not that sense of lasting hope and optimism.
Now, I’ve been especially privileged to work with some of the
community activists, and particularly a lot of the women, who are here
with me today. I remember the late Joyce McCartan, who called
herself a family feminist. I love that term, and in fact, adopted it.
But what she understood was that peace had to affect families. Families
had to believe that life would be better for themselves and their
children. I remember meeting with Monica McWilliams and Pearl Sagar at
the White House when I was First Lady, and they wanted to talk about how
to grow businesses, how to convince people – especially women – to
participate in the economy and the politics that was being created. So
yes, we did use Vital Voices as a mechanism for bringing not only women
together, but having them then reach out to others in a great chain of
potential.
So there’s a lot that we can be proud of, but I want to just offer a
cautionary word. Because if we do not focus on the community level – and
as David Trimble said to me earlier today, on that interface – we will
not have really achieved the peace that has been worked for. So I’m
looking for new ideas about how to help you do just that. How can we
better make an impact on those who are either indifferent or negative
toward what has been achieved? How do we reach the hard-to-reach
communities – the young man from a loyalist community whose father
couldn’t find work and who sees his own chances for a good job slipping
away, the young woman from a Republican family who’s had to give up the
idea of going to university? We can be more creative and thoughtful
about how we support the political leadership of Peter and Martin and
other elected leaders by trying to help them from the ground up.
So my offer to you is, as I leave this current position and become a
private citizen again, I want to continue working with you. I want to
support you in what you are doing. And I hope that we’ll have a chance
to really come to grips with some of the serious remaining problems that
are still plaguing the fulfillment of our aspirations for the people of
Northern Ireland. Of course I look forward to coming back and having
some time just to relax and spend a few hours talking with friends and
thinking about things besides public life. But I’m very serious about
this offer and very serious to the Ireland Funds that I want to remain
involved as a friend, an advocate, and a cheerleader for what you have
already achieved.
And so as we approach another Christmas season with all that it
represents – a season of hope and good tidings – let’s reach out to
those who don’t yet feel that in their heart about what has been
achieved by the hard work and sacrifice of so many here and so many who
have come forth. And know that the greatest gift we can give to any of
our fellow man or woman is the gift of peace and of love, and that’s
what I want to see for the future for every child, boy and girl, here in
Northern Ireland.
Thank you, and God bless you. (Applause.)
Remarks With First Minister of Northern Ireland, Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State
Stormont Castle
Belfast, Northern Ireland
December 7, 2012
FIRST MINISTER ROBINSON: Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. We
have, again, had the great pleasure of giving a warm Northern Ireland
welcome to the Secretary of State. She, of course, has been a longtime
friend of Northern Ireland. I can’t help but recall that the descendants
of people from Northern Ireland provided so many presidents for the
United States. And over recent times, America has given so much back to
Northern Ireland.
And of course, Secretary of State Clinton, you did it not just in
terms of words but in deeds as well. You did it when you were First
Lady. You did it when you were a U.S. Senator, and once more you have
been our friend while Secretary of State. There has been barely an
occasion when we have landed in the United States without going to meet
you. You have always shown a tremendous interest in what is happening in
Northern Ireland.
Martin and I – very often we sit down, somebody will mention some
person who has claimed to have been instrumental in the peace process in
Northern Ireland, and Martin and I will look at each other and ask, “Do
you know that person?” (Laughter.) And we shake our heads. But you are
one person who has consistently been there to help us, and not just in
terms of helping us until we got an agreement. You recognized, as few
others did, that the process of peace goes beyond getting the agreement
itself, and you gave us the support on an ongoing basis, and that
support came in the most tangible ways, that you provided us with Declan
Kelly, who did a fantastic job in opening up doors for us in the United
States for investment. And you, yourself, and the State Department,
invited us to come along to speak to leading business people,
world-leading figures in terms of the investment potential of Northern
Ireland. And we really do appreciate everything that you have done.
And we recognize that you have done that in spite of the very heavy
schedule that you have, that international schedule. And we were going
dizzy as you told us where you’d been and where you were going in the
next few days. It is a very demanding itinerary to have. And we just
want to assure you that, from the point of view of the people of
Northern Ireland, we appreciate all that you have done for us. America
has been a very good friend. President Clinton, President Bush,
President Obama all have been helpful to us and given us a lift when we
need it. But you have been there all of that time. You have been a very
good friend to Northern Ireland indeed.
Our journey as a society has not been completed. We have told you of
some of the difficulties that we’re facing at the present time, the
despicable attacks are going on on elected representatives, the threats
that are out there, attacks on offices. But our journey is irreversible.
We are determined to go on, and while from time to time we will have
setbacks, there’s no such thing as a linear progression to a stable and
peaceful society. There will be bumps along the ride. And we always know
that we’ve had a friend that we could rely on in Hillary Rodham
Clinton. So thank you, Hillary, for all that you have done. We really do
appreciate it. SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you, Peter. DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER MCGUINNESS: Well, I, too, am absolutely
delighted to join with Peter in welcoming Secretary Clinton to Belfast.
Secretary Clinton has been a true and wonderful friend to all of the
people of Ireland, North and South, over many, many years. And this is
an opportunity for us to express our deepest thanks and admiration for
the work that she has done in supporting us through what has been
described variously as one of the most successful peace processes in the
world today.
Secretary Clinton was one of the founders of the Vital Voices Global
Partnership organization. And that’s an organization that has encouraged
people in conflicts all over the world to come together, and women have
been at the coalface of those discussions, women from here, women from
the Middle East, from Palestine and from Israel. But I think it has to
be said very, very clearly that both Hillary and Bill Clinton have been
absolutely vital voices for us in our process. And that’s something that
has to be recognized over many, many years.
I have very fond memories of the economic investment conference
sponsored by Hillary at the State Department a number of years ago, and
supported by President Obama, which enabled Peter and I to say without
fear of contradiction, at a time when people said there’s a world
recession, you’ll get no jobs from America, but we can say that we
brought more jobs in to the North of Ireland than at any other time in
the history of the state. And that’s due to Hillary and the tremendous
support that she gave us with the business community and the United
States. And that will never be forgotten.
I want to join with Peter in expressing my total and absolute disgust
and revulsion at the threats against Naomi Long, and also against other
elected representatives in Belfast. We have – and it’s been the great
strength of our association over the course of the last five years –
time and time again stood against those who would try to plunge us back
to the past. And we will have a further opportunity on Monday morning,
when the assembly meets, to express collectively, all of the parties in
the assembly, our total opposition to threats, intimidation, and
violence. And it’s very important that we do so in a very forthright
fashion, because we do know that there are people on the extremes of
loyalism, and there are people on the extremes of republicanism who wish
to plunge us back to the past. We are going to resist that with every
fiber of our being.
The last thing I want to say is the media are treating this visit by
Secretary Clinton as a farewell tour. Well, when we say goodbye to the
Clintons, we also say, “We’ll see you again soon.” (Laughter.) And we
will see them again soon, because there are no truer friends to this
island, or our peace process, or the economic prosperity that many
people enjoy as a result of the new jobs that have been provided,
provided by the support given by both Bill and Hillary Clinton. So we
wish you all the very best in the future. And again, our deepest thanks
and appreciation for your support. SECRETARY CLINTON: Oh, well, I’m very pleased to be back. And I
want to thank both Peter and Martin for those very kind words, but more
than that, for your leadership and the great work that you are doing
together on behalf of Northern Ireland. It is fair to say this is a
place that keeps drawing me back, and I’m sure will for as far as I can
see into the future. I’m especially reminded of the first time I came to
Belfast 17 years ago this month, when Bill and I came because of the
glimmerings that there might be some path forward toward peace. And it
was the first time an American president ever set foot in Northern
Ireland. Peter is absolutely right that we had people who left, depart,
and went to the United States and actually became president or were the
descendants of those who had left, but this was the first time an
American president came.
It was a little over a year after the first ceasefire, Martin, and we
were invited to turn on Belfast’s Christmas lights. And I remember that
as though it were yesterday instead of 17 years ago, and all that it
meant to us to be standing there looking out at the vast throngs of
people who had come with great expectations. So many fathers with their
children on their shoulders as I looked out on that scene, and there was
a little girl named Catherine who had lost her father in the Troubles,
and she said her Christmas wish was that peace and love would last
forever. That’s a particularly good Christmas wish, but it’s always a
good wish here, not just in this season but all through the year,
because the people of Northern Ireland know all too well that the
alternative is not one that anyone can even imagine going back to.
But peace does take sacrifice and compromise and vigilance day after
day. And we’ve seen that again this week that the work is not complete,
because we have seen violence break out again. And I join with both
Peter and Martin and all the leaders and citizens who have condemned the
recent attacks here in Belfast and around the whole area. Because look,
there will always be disagreements in democratic societies. We’re
experts at that in the United States. We have a lot of very serious,
difficult disagreements that divide us. But violence is never an
acceptable response to those disagreements, and I strongly endorse what
Peter and Martin have said, that all parties need to confront the
remaining challenges of sectarian division peacefully and together. I’ll
have more to say about that when I speak at a lunch hosted by the
Ireland Funds.
The United States has been proud to be your partner for more than two
decades now. We’ve worked to try to help build not only a future of
peace but one of prosperity. In fact, the United States has supported
the political process, providing more than $530 million in assistance
through the International Fund for Ireland. And we have also tried to
make it clear that we think what is important here is that people have a
chance to see the benefits of peace, that they get an opportunity to
have a better life for themselves and certainly for their children.
I think that there will be a lot of ways that we can work together to
spur economic growth. Northern Ireland has a skilled workforce,
world-class research institutions, an advanced telecommunications
infrastructure that is essential for competing in today’s knowledge
economy, and I am very keen on continuing not only in this position but
in the future to be of whatever assistance I can to maintain our
connection but also to work to produce results.
The U.S.-Ireland Research and Development Partnership is working to
reinvigorate science and technology cooperation among Northern Ireland,
the Republic of Ireland, and the United States, and we just recently had
a visit of our experts to help facilitate partnerships between our
science and technology agencies, foster research networks, and try to
build more economic connections between the North and the South.
So it’s always a pleasure to be with Peter and Martin and to really
applaud their leadership, which has been extraordinary and absolutely
essential, no more so than right now. And I think you’ve got so much to
work toward that is positive and moving toward creating the kind of
future that people have been working toward, and I’m very confident that
you will continue to make progress together. Thank you. FIRST MINISTER ROBINSON: Thank you very much, indeed.
Secretary, just before we allow some questions, Martin and I, when we
had it confirmed that you would be visiting with us, we never know quite
which element of the press we should believe, whether it’s a
valedictory tour or whether it’s not, but we are not going to miss the
opportunity because we felt that you have played such an important role
in the process that we have been a part of in Northern Ireland that we
would make an award to you. And if you’ll join Martin and I, we’ll make
the presentation. SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you. (The award was presented.) FIRST MINISTER ROBINSON: (Off-mike.) SECRETARY CLINTON: No, it’s beautiful. FIRST MINISTER ROBINSON: (Inaudible) it’s a likeness of you. (Laughter.) DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER MCGUINNESS: We’ve got the hair right. SECRETARY CLINTON: Love the hair. Yes, the current hair. (Laughter.) DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER MCGUINNESS: Just for the press’s
information, this was the work of Maurice Harron, who is from my old
city and he’s one of the most renowned sculptors on the island of
Ireland, and his work can be seen all over the island and indeed many
other places including in the United States of America. When we asked
him to do this, he came up with the idea within 24 hours, which was
absolutely amazing. And I think it’s a fitting tribute to present this
to you, Hillary, on the basis that he has called it just one word,
“Agreement.” (Inaudible.) FIRST MINISTER ROBINSON: Can you bring your hand to the top of it there, please, sir? (Inaudible.) SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much. Thank you, Martin. Give me his name, and I will write him a note. DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER MCGUINNESS: We will. SECRETARY CLINTON: Great. DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER MCGUINNESS: (Inaudible.) (Laughter.) FIRST MINISTER ROBINSON: Okay, we just have time for two questions. The first question from Mark Devenport from BBC Northern Ireland. QUESTION: Madam Secretary, welcome to Stormont. Given the
well-documented (inaudible) process and in particular the role of women
in conflict resolution, how depressing do you find it that on the day
you arrive there, a leading woman politician resident is there, in
Parliament (inaudible) Naomi Long, is facing a death threat as part of
the latest escalation of this dispute over the flying of the Union flag?
Is there a danger that some people here, some politicians even, are
taking the progress that you and your husband worked so hard to achieve
for granted? SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, first let me say that I know Naomi
Long, and obviously, I am very distressed by the news that she’s been
subjected to threats, that members of the Alliance Party have had their
homes and offices attacked. That’s absolutely unacceptable, and both
Peter and Martin have spoken out in unmistakable terms condemning this
kind of intimidation, threatening behavior.
However, I think, as I have also said, the violence is a reminder
that although much progress has been made, the hard work of
reconciliation and fostering mutual understanding must continue. We had a
chance to speak about that when we were meeting before coming out here.
And as I said, there will always be disagreements in any democratic
society. People have strong feelings. But you must not use violence as a
means of expressing those strong feelings. The only path forward is a
peaceful, democratic one that recognizes the right of others to express
their opinions, but not to resort to violence. And there can be no place
in the new Northern Ireland for any violence. Any of the remnants of
the past need to be quickly, unequivocally condemned.
Democracy requires dialogue, compromise, and constant commitment by
everyone to protecting the rights of everyone. And so the United States
will continue to strongly support all those who stand on the side of
peace and reconciliation and democracy and dialogue, and we will
strongly support the work that Peter and Martin and their colleagues are
doing. As you heard, there will be a chance to express their commitment
at a session of the assembly next Monday.
And we also want to emphasize that the economic work that has to
continue to give everyone a better economic future will be impeded if
violence returns. I mean, 17 years ago, the Europa Hotel was boarded
because of bombs and threats. I mean, it was – this is something that I
have seen for myself, what a difference it can make. And so I really
know that this is a small minority of people – it always is in every
society – who try to stir up passions and emotions, or resort to taking
actions like those uncovered, as Martin was telling me earlier today.
Unacceptable and must be repudiated by everyone, no matter how strongly
someone feels about their political or social beliefs. MODERATOR:Indira Lakshmanan from Bloomberg.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Hi, Indira.
QUESTION: Hi. Thank you, Madam Secretary. We
wanted to ask about your meeting last night with UN Envoy Brahimi and
Russian Minister Lavrov and find out from you if you got a sense from
the meeting that Mr. Lavrov and the Russians have actually changed and
compromised on anything on their stand on Syria. And were there any
concrete coming together of your position or anything where there’s
still a difference that you could describe to us?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, first, it was a very constructive session, and I greatly appreciated Special Envoy Lakhdar Brahimi
reaching out to me, and Sergey Lavrov asking if he could meet with us
while we were both in Dublin for the OSCE meetings. We reviewed the very
dangerous developments inside Syria. Mr. Brahimi had his own additional
information to contribute about what he’s hearing from sources inside
Syria. And both Minister Lavrov and I committed to support a renewed
push by Brahimi and his team to work with all the stakeholders in Syria
to begin a political transition based on the outline that we agreed to
in Geneva last year. And it was an important meeting, but just the
beginning. The next step will be a meeting in the next few days where I
will be sending senior officials, as will the Russians, to talk about
how we can operationalize the path forward.
I don’t think anyone believes that there was some great
breakthrough. No one should have any illusions about how hard this
remains. But all of us with any influence on the process, with any
influence on the regime or the opposition, needs to be engaged with
Brahimi for a concerted, sincere push to see what is possible in the
face of the advancing developments on the ground which are increasingly
dangerous not only to Syrians, but to their neighbors.
I would also just underscore that one of the chief strengths of
the Geneva document is it includes clear steps – I would refer you to it
– toward a transition. And it has a section entitled Perspective For
The Future which outlines the democratic principles and international
human rights standards that the Syrian people have been demanding and
that we in the international community expect.
So as this moves forward, I want everyone to understand that
we’re going to be holding every party to the same standard. This is not
just a one-sided dialogue. It has to be one that is inclusive, but
everyone must understand what is expected of them. And let me also be
absolutely clear the United States stands with the Syrian people in
insisting that any transition process result in a unified, democratic
Syria in which all citizens are represented – Sunni, Alawi, Christians,
Kurds, Druze, men, women. Every Syrian must be included in this process
for a new and better future. And a future of this kind cannot possibly
include Assad.
So we go into these discussions with a clear sense of what we
want to see accomplished, but a realistic understanding of how difficult
it still is.
see accomplished, but a realistic understanding of how difficult it still is.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLIC SCHEDULE FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012
SECRETARY HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON
Secretary Clinton is on foreign travel to Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Secretary Clinton is accompanied by Assistant Secretary Gordon,
Assistant Secretary Posner, Ambassador Verveer, Special Representative
Balderston, Spokesperson Nuland, Director Sullivan, Senior Director for
European Affairs Liz Sherwood Randall, and VADM Harry B. Harris, Jr.,
JCS. Please click here for more information.
11:00 a.m. LOCAL
Secretary Clinton meets with First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy
First Minister Martin McGuinness, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (CAMERA SPRAY PRECEDING MEETING)
12:10p.m. LOCAL
Secretary Clinton holds a joint press availability with First Minister
Robinson and deputy First Minister McGuinness, in Belfast, Northern
Ireland. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE)
1:10p.m. LOCAL Secretary Clinton meets with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
1:30p.m. LOCAL Secretary Clinton attends a lunch hosted by The Ireland Funds, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (OPEN PRESS COVERAGE)
3:25 pm p.m. LOCAL Secretary Clinton meets with the staff and families of Consulate General Belfast, in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (POOLED PRESS COVERAGE)
Secretary Clinton to Travel to the Czech Republic, Belgium, Ireland, and Northern Ireland
Victoria Nuland Department Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
November 29, 2012
Secretary
of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will travel to Prague, the Czech
Republic; Brussels, Belgium; Dublin, Ireland; and Belfast, Northern
Ireland December 3-7.
Secretary Clinton will travel to Prague, the Czech Republic, December 3
to meet with Czech officials on strengthening Czech energy
independence, as well as advancing human rights and supporting
democratic transitions around the world.
Secretary Clinton will visit Brussels, Belgium, December 4-5
to participate in a meeting of NATO foreign ministers. The Secretary
and her counterparts will discuss current security challenges in the
Western Balkans and NATO’s global partnerships. The Secretary will
participate in a foreign ministers’ meeting of the NATO-Russia Council
on December 4 and of the NATO-Georgia Commission on December 5. NATO
foreign ministers will also meet with their non-NATO partners in the
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and representatives of
the Government of Afghanistan to review the status of the joint
Afghan/ISAF transition plan, as well as discuss NATO’s post-2014 mission
in Afghanistan. While in Brussels, the Secretary will also co-chair the
fourth meeting of the U.S.-European Union (EU) Energy Council to deepen
cooperation on energy security and conservation.
The Secretary will travel December 6-7 to Dublin, Ireland,
where she will participate in the ministerial meeting of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). During the
ministerial, she and her counterparts will discuss proposals to
strengthen the OSCE’s capacity to promote comprehensive security in
Eurasia, as well as meet with civil society representatives from across
the OSCE region The Secretary will also meet with Irish officials to
discuss areas of cooperation in promoting peace, human rights, and
economic growth and will deliver a major speech on U.S. achievements in
support of human rights globally.
Secretary Clinton will travel to Belfast, Northern Ireland, December 7,
where she will meet with Northern Ireland officials and discuss the
peace process, the trilateral US-Ireland Research and Development
Partnership and economic opportunities for Northern Ireland. She will
attend an event hosted by The Ireland Funds - - a global fundraising
network supporting programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and
culture, education, and community development in Northern Ireland and
the Republic of Ireland.
According to the Belfast Telegraph, Mme. Secretary will be meeting with more than Northern Irish officials in Belfast.
I am delighted to send greetings to all of you in Dublin. You have
gathered here with an important mission in mind. There is a lot to be
learned by examining the pieces that came together to achieve a peaceful
political settlement in Northern Ireland.
Conflict resolution and mediation is one of the most difficult issues
that we have to grapple with as a society. Building trust between
parties and achieving and sustaining a peaceful settlement is an onerous
task. But, it is also one of the worthiest challenges that you can
choose to take on.
Over the course of the conference, you will engage in a series of
high-level discussions involving some of the chief architects of the
peace process. I hope that these discussions will inspire you. The Good
Friday Agreement shows us that peace is a formidable goal, but it is an
achievable one.
I also encourage you to consider the important role that women play
in resolving conflict. In my visits to Northern Ireland and other places
around the world, I have seen first-hand how women can be powerful
mediators who build coalitions and foster compromise.
I admire your resolve in tackling these challenges, and I look
forward to learning about what you discover throughout the course of
this conference. Good luck.
Remarks With U.K. Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Owen Paterson Before Their Meeting
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
March 20, 2012
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well,
I am so pleased to have you here, Secretary. This has been a day of all
kinds of matters related to Northern Ireland and to Ireland. And I’m
delighted to have this chance to meet with you to hear further about the
work that is being done to continue the reform efforts in Northern
Ireland, and I appreciate greatly your being here for that opportunity. SECRETARY PATERSON: Well, I would like to thank the Secretary
very much for finding time in her very busy schedule, having already
seen the First Minister and Deputy First Minister yesterday. We have a
wonderful opportunity over the next couple of years for Northern Ireland
to really show itself. We have the Golf Open, we’ve got the Titanic,
that’s the Queen’s Jubilee, we have the Olympics, next year it’s the
Fire and Police Games. And our whole ambition is to work really closely
with the – twelve ministers presenting all now as it is today and
helping rebuild (inaudible) develop private enterprise. And I know that
shines through with what you would like to see happen. SECRETARY CLINTON: That is music to my ears. (Laughter.) Thank you so much. Thank you all.
Remarks With First
Minister of Northern Ireland Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister of
Northern Ireland Martin McGuiness Before Their Meeting
Remarks
Hillary Rodham Clinton Secretary of State
Treaty Room
Washington, DC
March 19, 2012
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, it’s a great pleasure to welcome back to
Washington and here to the State Department the first minister and the
deputy first minister from Northern Ireland. I have had the great honor
of working with these gentlemen for a number of years and have been so
impressed at the progress that they are making together. And we look
forward to a very close and continuing relationship, and I just can’t
thank you both enough for the leadership and the great example that you
are setting for the people who you represent but also far beyond.
Peter. FIRST MINISTER ROBINSON: Well, again, we’re delighted to
accept Secretary Clinton’s hospitality. She’s been a very good friend of
Northern Ireland. Martin and I are particularly glad to be here because
there was an election between when we last met, her and I, and we’ve
come back with a reinforced mandate. We’re looking forward to giving
details to the Secretary of State of the progress that we’re making in
Northern Ireland. We’ve agreed our Programme for Government, our budget,
our investment strategy, our economic strategy. We’ve got major reforms
on the way and help for local government and in education.
So, it’s normal foreign politics and boring is good for Northern Ireland. SECRETARY CLINTON: That’s good. FIRST MINISTER ROBINSON: So we’re making real progress and we look forward to continuing our discussions with the Administration. SECRETARY CLINTON: As well, that’s exactly right.
Martin. DEPUTY FIRST MINISTER MCGUINESS: This is also a great
opportunity for Peter and myself to express our deepest thanks and
appreciation for the incredible support that we’ve received from
Secretary of State Clinton and also from President Obama. They have been
very staunch supporters of the peace process. And it’s great for us, in
the aftermath of the election that Peter has just spoken about, to be
able to come and record the fact that both the peace process and the
political process has been considerably strengthened as a result of that
election last year.
And as Peter has also said, we are very involved in the very
important work of the economy, the great challenges that exist obviously
worldwide but how that impacts on us, a very small part of the world,
and the need for us to ensure that we are continuing to engage with our
friends here in North America who have been incredibly supportive. The
number of (inaudible) jobs that we have brought into the north from
companies like the New York Stock Exchange, the Chicago Mercantile, HBO,
Citigroup, Allstate – all of these have been providing much needed
employment for our people, and that is something for which we are deeply
grateful.
Of course, you can’t (inaudible) any of that from the very important
economic investment conference that Secretary Clinton hosted here for us
not too long ago. So, very important to come here and say how much we
admire this woman as a leader and admire her as a true friend of peace
and political progress in our part of the world. SECRETARY CLINTON: Thanks to you both. Thank you all.
‘The principles of the Belfast agreement are more important than ever.’ Stormont. Photograph: Paul Faith/AFP/Getty Images[/caption]
Hillary Clinton
