UK: LONDON: US PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON AND HILLARY CLINTON VISIT скачать в хорошем качестве

UK: LONDON: US PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON AND HILLARY CLINTON VISIT

(29 Nov 1995) English/Nat Peace and pomp were the twin themes Wednesday for US President Bill Clinton on the first day of his visit to Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Clinton met Prime Minister John Major to discuss the peace process in Northern Ireland and peace-enforcement in Bosnia. He also saw the best of British grandeur, with an address to both Houses of Parliament in the Royal Gallery, and tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace. Bill Clinton's visit showed every sign of being overshadowed by the stalemate in the Northern Ireland peace process. But an 11th hour agreement between British Prime Minister John Major and his Irish counterpart John Bruton meant Clinton could concentrate on some of the formalities of a state visit. After laying a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Westminster Abbey, Clinton walked the short distance to Number 10 Downing Street, the official home of the British Prime Minister. Major admitted the imminent arrival of the U-S President - whose previous interventions are generally thought to have leaned towards the Irish position - had "concentrated the mind". Their agreement - given a lukewarm welcome by Northern Ireland's political factions - set aside some differences of opinion, but resolved little. Instead the question of whether pro-Republican terrorists must give up their weapons before taking part in talks - as demanded by Britain - will be passed to an international commission. SOUNDBITE: "We can't deliver peace John Bruton and I, we can't do that. What we can do is facilitate peace, and what we are putting in place is a process that will help carry that capacity for peace forward." SUPERCAPTION: John Major, British Prime Minister Clinton was keen to boost the agreement, urging the Irish Republican Army (I-R-A) and their political wing Sinn Fein to remain inside the framework. SOUNDBITE: (English) "My message to the I-R-A is that the twin tracks process has provided a mechanism for all the parties, honorably now, to bring their concerns to the table and to be heard. and that in the end peace means peace." SUPERCAPTION: Bill Clinton, U-S President From the nitty-gritty of diplomacy Clinton went on to the majesty of the Palace of Westminster, and the traditions of Britain's parliamentary democracy. At the signal from the State Trumpeters Clinton entered the Royal Gallery, to become only the second U-S President to address both Houses of Parliament. Escorted into the chamber by the Lord Privy Seal, the Marquis of Cholmondley (Chum- ley) he was greeted by the Lord Chancellor, Lord Mackay on behalf of the House of Lords and the Speaker of the House of Commons, Betty Boothroyd - both in full ceremonial dress. Clinton spoke candidly of his admiration for British institutions, and for the close relationship between the two countries. He said such democratic nations with shared ideals bore a special burden of responsibility in the post-cold war world. And he also delivered a transatlantic message to his opponents in the U-S Congress, who have not yet endorsed his plans to send U-S troops into Bosnia. SOUNDBITE: (English) "We know that if we do not participate in Bosnia, our leadership will be questioned and our partnerships will be weakened. Partnerships we must have if we are to help each other in the fight against the common threats we face." SUPERCAPTION: Bill Clinton, U-S President Amid scenes depicting great British military victories Clinton frequently returned to the importance of peace, and the effort required to achieve it. SOUNDBITE: (English) Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...