The problems of Northern Ireland are insignificant compared with the dreadful violence of the Middle East, Ulster Unionist leader Mr David Trimble said today.
Mr Trimble was speaking after he met Israeli Foreign Minister Mr Shimon Peres to exchange views on resolving political conflict.
He said: "Our problems in Northern Ireland pale into insignificance when we contrast them with the situation with Israel and the Middle East".
The two men, who are attending the Earth Summit in Johannesburg, discussed how the peace processes in their respective countries were developing.
Mr Trimble welcomed recent attempts to restore a measure of responsibility to the Palestinians.
Both men agreed that democratic societies involved much more than the holding of free elections, and that there was always a need for ongoing reforms.
After today's meeting Mr Trimble and Mr Peres wished each other luck in dealing with their respective problems. The Ulster Unionist leader later met South Africa's Human Rights Commission.
PA