The former chairman of the North peace talks has been installed as the eighth chancellor of Queen's University Belfast. Mr George Mitchell formally took up his position yesterday at a 30minute ceremony followed by an academic procession through the campus.
The former US senator said he was honoured to become part of the college community.
Commenting on the current Belfast Agreement difficulties, he urged the political process not be "parked" or stalled over decommissioning. The politicians could overcome the arms impasse. "I think it can be resolved and they can reach common ground that will be acceptable to both communities".
But he stressed people must be tolerant of the fact that the North's political leaders face tension between the demands of their constituents and the needs of society.