President Clinton has called on the political parties in Northern Ireland to "take the steps necessary to advance the cause of peace", writes Joe Carroll.
In a statement issued last night Mr Clinton said: "Today we are on the threshold of a major achievement - a lasting political arrangement that will allow the people of Northern Ireland and their representatives to decide their future for themselves by exclusively peaceful means, on the basis of consent.
"This is a chance to lock in the unprecedented progress that has been attained and propel the process forward. It is an opportunity that must not be lost. I urge the parties to lift their sights, seize the possibilities that are within their grasp and take the steps necessary to advance the cause of peace."