Clinton confirms Good Friday trip

Bill Clinton will return to NI for the April event

Former US President Bill Clinton is to visit Northern Ireland to mark the 10th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Senator George Mitchell, who chaired the talks leading to the 1998 accord, will also attend the event in April.

Tony Blair and Bertie Ahern have also been invited to the dinner in Belfast, organised by the US-Ireland Alliance.

First Minister Ian Paisley of the DUP, which opposed the deal, has not yet said if he will attend.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein will be among the guests as will General John de Chastelain.

Trina Vargo, President of the US-Ireland Alliance, welcomed confirmation of the former president's visit.

"President Clinton's involvement was crucial in bringing peace to Northern Ireland," she said.

"I am sure that President Clinton's presence will inspire the young leaders participating in this event to make their own contributions to the process and to the relationship between the US and the island of Ireland."

Among those who have already accepted are Nobel Laureate John Hume, Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey, Human Rights Commissioner Monica McWilliams and former secretary of state Paul Murphy.

Events being planned include a recorded session with some of the high profile negotiators, and a gala dinner.