President Clinton has told the leader of the SDLP that he is ready to help the Northern Ireland peace process in any way if he is asked by the two governments or the political parties. Mr John Hume yesterday briefed the President on the peace talks during an hour-long meeting at the White House. He told him of his hopes to "see substantial progress in the talks before the deadline in May".
He said later that he was deeply impressed at "the depth of knowledge that President Clinton had of our situation".
Mr Hume said he had expressed his deep appreciation of the President's support in the peace process and the outstanding work of the talks chairman, former Senator George Mitchell, and his colleagues.
Mr Hume said US economic aid was also proving to be a significant factor in the peace process. The President's representative on the Ireland Fund, Mr Jim Lyons, had visited Northern Ireland last week.
"The more we can work successfully together in the economic field the more we can build a trust which will help us on the political front," Mr Hume said later.
The SDLP leader returned to the White House later for further discussions on the peace talks with Mr Sandy Berger, the President's National Security Adviser.
At a White House briefing, the President's press secretary, Mr Mike McCurry, described Mr Hume as "a courageous voice for peace".
Earlier, the SDLP leader had breakfast with Senator Teddy Kennedy, who will be visiting Northern Ireland next month. Mr Hume also visited Capitol Hill for meetings with a number of members of Congress interested in Northern Ireland, including the Republican congressman, Mr Peter King.
The Irish Ambassador to the US, Mr Sean O hUiginn, gave a reception for Mr Hume last night at the Embassy residence.