NI's process 'should be studied'

By Mark Devenport BBC NI Political Editor

Former President Bill Clinton said lessons could be learned from NI

The Northern Ireland peace process should be studied by every trouble spot for lessons in conflict resolution, ex-US President Bill Clinton has said.

President Clinton joined Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness in urging American business figure in New York to think seriously about investing in NI.

Later, the first and deputy first ministers met Gordon Brown to discuss the devolution of justice.

There will be more talks on policing and justice next week.

The new US envoy Declan Kelly paid tribute to what he described as "Invest NI and the Executive's role in an economic miracle".

BBC Northern Ireland's political editor Mark Devenport said that, as expected, the Northern Ireland session of Bill Clinton's Global Initiative was in the main "a hard sell to potential US investors".

"However, there were also hints of possible movement on the transfer of justice powers to local politicians with Peter Robinson talking about his determination to drive forwards those elements of devolution not already in place," he said.

"Later Mr Robinson and Martin McGuinness met Gordon Brown at the Waldorf Astoria hotel.

"Government sources say the outstanding issues related to financing policing and justice are being narrowed down - the three politicians have agreed to meet again on the subject next week."

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