Clinton spokesman Jake Siewert told reporters there was no detailed agenda yet. The trip will include visits to the Republic of Ireland and to Great Britain. It will be focused on the implementation of the Good Friday peace accords that Clinton helped negotiate in 1998.
But Irish Embassy spokesman Pat Kelly said Monday that it was unlikely Clinton would immerse himself in any substantive way in negotiations during his visit to Northern Ireland, which is likely to last less than 24 hours.
Instead, Kelly said, Clinton's visit is likely to serve as an opportunity to "acknowledge the contributions of President Clinton" to the "peace process" over the past seven years.
Siewert said Clinton will travel Dec. 12-14 at the invitation of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern and Northern Ireland First Minister David Trimble and Deputy First Minister Seamus Mallon.
According to Siewert, "The president hopes that this visit will help to overcome current difficulties on the path to lasting peace in Northern Ireland."
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