Mr Bill Clinton last night received an honorary degree from Queen's University, Belfast in recognition of his services to peace in the North. The honorary degree of Doctor of Laws was bestowed on the former US president at a ceremony in the city's Waterfront Hall. In his acceptance address, Mr Clinton said the Belfast Agreement was one of the most remarkable examples of inter-dependence between people who didn't think they had much in common. He said everyone in the North counted and everyone deserved to be respected and have their voices heard.
The ceremony was followed by a gala concert featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Barry Douglas and his orchestra, Camerata Ireland. The event formally launched the Queen's University of Belfast Foundation and raised funds for the restoration of the Great Hall.
After the ceremony, Mr Clinton was guest of honour at a banquet in the university's Great Hall. Queen's vice-chancellor, Prof George Bain, said the former president had earned the respect of both traditions in the North.
"Queen's is honoured to confer on him an honorary degree as a mark of his very positive contribution to the peace process." The university's chancellor, Senator George Mitchell, who is a close political associate of Mr Clinton, said he was honoured to welcome him to Belfast.