Ahern briefs Bush on Belfast Agreement

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, today had a 30-minute telephone conversation with American President George Bush about the present position…

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, today had a 30-minute telephone conversation with American President George Bush about the present position in Northern Ireland.

A spokesman for the Taoiseach said he briefed the President about yesterday's talks in Hillsborough, involving First Minister Mr Trimble and other Northern Ireland political party representatives, as well as Mr Ahern.

He added: "Mr Ahern told the President about the extremely difficult situation in Northern Ireland, but also assured him that together with the British Prime Minister he would be keeping in close touch with the situation there and there would be further intense negotiations.

"For his part, Mr Bush said he would be maintaining contact on the issue."

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The two leaders also discussed a number of other issues, including Aids in Africa and the extradition of former Serbian leader Mr Milosevic to The Hague to face a war crimes tribunal.

PA