THE US President, Mr Clinton, has urged all parties to participate in elections in Northern Ireland and play a part in the forum they will create.
Speaking yesterday before an Oval Office meeting with the British Labour Party leader, Mr Tony Blair, he also praised Labours "statesmanlike" handling of the North's peace process.
Mr Clinton sidestepped questions as to whether he was sitting beside the next British prime minister.
"It's all I can do to keep up with American politics," he said. "I only hope he is talking to the next American president."
He said the peace process was very important to the US, adding: "I want to compliment Mr Blair and his party. I think the way they have proceeded has been very statesmanlike."
Mr Blair said: "I was saying to the president how immensely helpful people had found his visit to Northern Ireland a few months ago, and what a boost it had given to the peace process...
The President said the first step in seeking to revive the peace process was to hold the elections planned for next month.
Asked if he wanted all parties to participate in the elections and to attend the forum that came out of them, he said: "Of course. We have always wanted all-party talks and all-party participation."
He added: "That's all the parties that are committed to a peaceful and democratic future in Northern Ireland."
Asked whether he believed Sinn Fein was committed to a peaceful and democratic future, he replied: "We will have to judge."