Senator John Kerry has called on President Bush to exert "presidential leadership" on Northern Ireland during his visit to Ireland on Friday and Saturday.
"All eyes will be on Ireland this weekend as a historic Irish presidency of the European Union draws to a close," Senator Kerry, the Democratic candidate for president, said last night.
While there were many important issues facing the US and the EU at the summit attended by Mr Bush this weekend, "American presidential leadership is also needed on the issues facing the island of Ireland", Senator Kerry said.
Noting the setbacks of the last four years and the suspension of the Assembly, Mr Kerry said he hoped the current efforts by the Irish and British governments and the political parties to break the impasse are successful.
"That effort must involve the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement," he said in a statement.
"The US has a strong interest in promoting peace and as president I will stand ready to assist the British and Irish governments and all of those who work for peace, justice and democracy in Northern Ireland, playing whatever constructive and pro-active role may be of use to advance the peace process."
The Massachusetts senator also praised the Irish leadership during the six-month EU presidency.
"Taoiseach Bertie Ahern deserves recognition and congratulations for his hard work and diplomatic accomplishments," Mr Kerry said.