Taoiseach and northern leaders to meet Clinton in Washington

The Taoiseach and party leaders from Northern Ireland are due to meet President Clinton in Washington later this evening. Hopes are high that the meetings could help break the current impasse in the peace process. But there have been continuing disagreements between the Sinn Féin and Ulster Unionist leaders over the issue of decommissioning.

Earlier, the Sinn Féin leader, Gerry Adams, said that he cannot deliver on the demands made by Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble on the issue of decommissioning. Mr Adams was speaking in Washington on the eve of planned meetings between the North's political leaders and President Clinton. A meeting between the Sinn Féin leader and Mr Trimble is also likely to take place in Washington later today.

Mr Adams said that he could not deliver on the demands made by the Ulster Unionist leader and he said, everyone knows that. Despite his statement Gerry Adams and David Trimble are expected to continue face to face dialogue in Washington later today, although a meeting between the two men has not yet been officially scheduled. Both will be meeting with President Clinton at the White House, along with other political leaders from Northern Ireland.

Mr Adams said last night that he does not expect pressure from Mr Clinton on the issue of decommissioning. However, the President is expected to urge the parties in the North to implement all aspects of the Good Friday Agreement. After meeting with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, Mr Clinton will address more than 1000 guests at a Saint Patrick's Day reception on the White House lawn tonight.

Last night, the Taoiseach paid tribute to Senator Edward Kennedy at a reception hosted by the American Ireland Fund. He said the moment was fast approaching when a new executive in Northern Ireland would take control of its future.