US First Lady Hillary Clinton gets a warm welcome to Belfast before addressing the Vital Voices Conference.
Hillary Clinton was in Belfast as the keynote speaker at the Vital Voices Conference, addressing women in democracy.
Belfast centre was completely sealed off as the American first lady travelled by bomb-proof limousine through the city accompanied by a secret service cavalcade. Hillary Clinton received a warm welcome on her arrival at the Europa Hotel ahead of a keynote speech at the Waterfront Hall, where she spoke about the advancement of women through democracy. She also had words of encouragement for the people of Northern Ireland who were embracing the peace process despite the recent Omagh bombing.
The terrorists targeted the people of Northern Ireland and in response, it was the people, all the people, who bravely stood side by side to say hatred and violence will no longer have a place here. We have chosen ballots not bombs, democracy not division.
Hillary Clinton was also guest of honour at a function at Belfast City Hall, where she met local politicians.
Tomorrow she will join her husband, President Bill Clinton, for a series of engagements, including a visit to Omagh.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 2 September 1998. The reporter is Brendan Wright.
