President Clinton and the British Prime Minister, Mr Tony Blair, both spoke about Northern Ireland yesterday. In their joint White House press conference they condemned recent sectarian killings. Mr Clinton pledged again that the US will continue do all it can to "advance the cause of peace" in Northern Ireland.
He commended Mr Blair "for his courageous steps in co-operation with the Irish Government to promote a climate of confidence and hope in Northern Ireland".
Mr Clinton, speaking at the end of Mr Blair's visit to Washington, said that "the multi-party talks provide the best chance for a real solution" to the conflict in Northern Ireland.
He urged "all the parties to show the vision and the forbearance and the determination to succeed".
Condemning the recent killings and beatings, Mr Clinton said: "Nothing worth having in Northern Ireland can be accomplished through violence."
Mr Blair, standing beside the President, thanked him for his "condemnation of those sectarian killings that have so disfigured the process over the past few weeks".
He thanked Mr Clinton "for all the support he has given us in searching for a lasting and peaceful political settlement in Ireland".
Mr Blair said that when addressing members of Congress he found "a tremendous interest" in the peace process and a willingness for it to succeed.