Clinton links up with students

Pictures were beamed from Washington to Belfast

US President Bill Clinton has described progress in Northern Ireland's peace process as a "beacon of hope in a troubled world".

Mr Clinton was speaking during a live link up from the White House to children from an integrated school in north Belfast in a live video link up.

"I hold no illusion that my visit is going to solve all the problems," he told 100 students from Hazelwood Integrated College.

"That is something the parties and the governments have to do.

"But I have taken a deep and genuine interest in supporting the peace process since before I took office. I'll do whatever I can."

Conor Spence was chosen to question Mr Clinton

Responding to a question from a student, Conor Spence, Mr Clinton said he would do whatever he could to help the peace process.

"We have come so far.

"In a troubled world, the progress in Ireland has been a beacon of hope, and we have got to finish the job."

The pupils from Hazelwood were participating in the seventh annual Team Harmony event in Boston, Massachusetts.

This is an international gathering of students which is dedicated to combating bigotry and hate.

It comes almost a week ahead of Mr Clinton's third visit to Northern Ireland during the latest crisis in the peace process.

One hundred students from Hazelwood College, where Protestant and Catholic children are taught together, joined more than 1,500 students at Tuesday's event.

Its aim was to enable students to gather together to learn ways of tackling prejudices, such as racism and violence, in school and in their communities.

Also taking part in the event, via satellite, were students from Johannesburg, in South Africa and others from Boston.

Promoting tolerance

During the link-up, two pupils from Hazelwood accepted an International award for promoting tolerance as an integrated school.

Bill Clinton: Thanked for role in peace process

Meanwhile, it is expected that the White House will make final decisions this week about what role the retiring president will adopt in relation to the Northern Ireland peace process.

It will announce the itinerary for Mr Clinton's visit at the end of this week.

He is expected to spend a significant part of his time at Stormont where he may address the assembly and hold meetings with the key players in the peace process.