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 The BBC's Mark Simpson"The decommissioning of George Mitchell"  real 28k |
George Mitchell bids farewell
Senator George Mitchell: waving goodbye to Northern Ireland |
In his rare public comments, George Mitchell has often warned 'I don't have a magic wand'.
But in many people's eyes, the former senator has achieved the impossible.
Not only to curb animosity and encourage direct dialogue between the leaders of Sinn Fein and the Ulster Unionists, but also through what he calls "many dark days" to get them to trust each other enough to cut a deal.
Five years ago, Bill Clinton asked the former senate leader whether he'd take on a "small part-time job" as special economic adviser on Northern Ireland.
The one-time army intelligence officer and lawyer of mixed Irish and Lebanese parents didn't know what he was getting into.
President Clinton: Offered George Mitchell a "part-time" job five years ago |
He chaired the arms decommissioning body, writing the six principles of non-violence which Northern Ireland's politicians were challenged to endorse.
He then steered the parties to last year's climactic Good Friday agreement, cementing his own reputation as a skilled diplomat whose impartiality wasn't in question.
But the agreement faltered and after the British and Irish Prime Ministers jointly failed to break the deadlock this summer, it was to George Mitchell that they turned.
Once again he was welcomed into the epicentre of the province's political scene.
Over the eleven week term of the review, he spent as much time in Northern Ireland as he did at home in the US.
"I have been treated here as though I were at home," he said.
"In a sense, I am at home, because my emotions and a part of my heart will be here for ever even though I will not always be physically present."
During the review, he imposed a strict regime which prohibited parties from divulging the details of discussions to the media.
Little was said about the manner and style in which he handled the talks.
As he leaves Northern Ireland, some politicians have been speaking about the man who has been the at the heart of their discussions during a great deal of the peace process.
Mark Durkan; "George is only human" |
"Yes he has a very nice manner and demeanour, he isn't simply a political version of a cabin steward on an airliner going around being nice to everyone.
"He is a man of serious intent and serious purpose - at time his patience did wear a little bit and he would have shown it."
Ulster Unionist talks team member Sir Reg Empey believes the senator has had to put up with a great deal since becoming involved in the talks.
Sir Reg Empey: Senator spent long hours listening to us squabble |
George Mitchell has already been honoured with the chancellorship of Queen's University, Belfast, and America's highest civilian award - the Medal of Freedom - among others.
But his enduring ambition is to bring his young son, Andrew, back to Stormont and sit quietly in the gallery of the new Assembly listening to the debates of a working parliament in a society at peace.
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15 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
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The Mitchell statement in full |
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16 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
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Analysis: Jigsaw of peace |
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17 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
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IRA to appoint arms mediator |
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17 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
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Mitchell to give peace process verdict |
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18 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
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Mitchell intervenes to help shipyard |
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18 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
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We have basis for peace - Mitchell |
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18 Nov 99 | Broadband |
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Way clear for NI peace plan - Mitchell |
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18 Nov 99 | Northern Ireland |
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Talks parties' praise for Mitchell |
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Links to other Northern Ireland stories are at the foot of the page.
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