The US Secretary of State and former First Lady has visited Belfast as part of her tour of Europe. She began her visit by addressing MLAs at Stormont in which she urged them to complete the devolution of policing and justice. “As a true friend, my hope is that you will achieve what you set out to do … to complete the process of devolution.” Following her visit to Stormont Mrs Clinton made her fifth visit to Queen’s University where she met with influential business leaders from the USA and local companies in a discussion chaired by Invest NI.

BY PETER COULTER

Addressing staff, students and members of the business community in Queen’s Great Hall, Mrs Clinton spoke of her country’s interest in Northern Ireland. “The United States sees it as a national interest to support those who take risks for peace,” adding that she would stand by those who “Get out of ones comfort zone, to see what is needed, to compromise in order to gain a lot more and to bring people together.” She insisted, “There is a path towards peace, there is a way forward and through obstacles, overcoming challenges, patience and persistence you will get there.”

Mrs Clinton also commented on Korea after they test fired nuclear missiles earlier that day by stating, “America does not tolerate any sort of nuclear armourment that threatens national security.” Mrs Clinton also added to the debate on compensation for victims by saying that “losses had to be honoured and respected.” Mrs Clinton closed her address by talking about Northern Ireland’s not yet complete journey for peace and pledging US support, “We will stand with you; we will make this journey with you.”

In terms of US investment in the local economy she announced that the US software company NaviNet was building a new research centre in the city worth £4.4m, and creating 60 jobs.

University Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Gregson hoped the international business partnership would “create wealth and improve the quality of life” for local people. Following her visit to Queen’s Mrs Clinton made her way down to City Hall and opened the newly refurbished building. She was met by the City’s Lord Mayor Naomi Long and hundreds of fans who had lined the streets to greet her.

The former first lady later caught a flight to Moscow to continue her European tour.

ENDS