Minister Dermot Ahern meets former US President Bill Clinton
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D. met with former US President Bill Clinton in New York today for a discussion on Ireland's collaboration with the Clinton Foundation and to update President Clinton on recent positive developments in Northern Ireland.
The Minister said:
”We are committed to continuing our very strong partnership with the Clinton Foundation and the Government of Mozambique, which is primarily focused on combating the very high incidence of HIV/AIDS amongst women and children in Mozambique. The Irish Government is committed to contributing $50 million to the Clinton Foundation over five years to allow the people of Mozambique to access anti-retroviral treatment. I am very encouraged by the fact that 14,000 people are receiving treatment as a result of the Clinton Foundation's successful negotiations on reduced prices for anti-retroviral drugs. This outstanding contribution is helping the Mozambique Government to strengthen the ability of its health system to treat those affected and to care for those left behind, particularly orphaned children.”
The Minister briefed President Clinton on recent positive developments in Northern Ireland, most notably on the decommissioning of all IRA weapons but also on the statement by the LVF announcing its intention to stand down. He outlined the steps underway to restore confidence and rebuild momentum towards the restoration of devolved government in Northern Ireland. The Minister also thanked President Clinton for his ongoing support and underlined the importance of continued close US engagement in the peace process. The Minister said:
”In our efforts to secure a permanent peace in Northern Ireland the US has been with us every step of the way. Bill Clinton exercised a crucial role at various points in injecting momentum into the process”.
The Minister also briefed President Clinton on the Irish Government's and Oireachtas' work on behalf of the undocumented Irish in the US.
Note for Editor
The Government intends to organise a meeting between the Foundation and other donors supporting the Foundation's work in Mozambique to discuss ways in which the international community might better support the people of Mozambique. The Government is committed to moving towards delivering about €100 million to address the international challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases, such as TB and Malaria. The Clinton Foundation will play an important part in that strategy.
ENDS+++
1st November 2005
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