Hillary Clinton says Brexit divisions and Troubles amnesty threaten peace in North
Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton has warned divisions in the North over Brexit and Britain’s proposed amnesty for all Troubles-related killings are a threat to peace.
Speaking after she was installed as chancellor of Queen’s University in Belfast â€" the first female chancellor in its more than a century-old history â€" the former US first lady said “difficulties of the past continue to threaten the presentâ€.
“Division over Brexit and the Northern Ireland protocol and proposed amnesty legislation might very well undermine a peaceful future, a future that people voted for, fought for and even died for,†she said.
“I don’t pretend to have the political answers to resolve this impasse.
“That is up to the people of Northern Ireland. But I do know this: the future of Northern Ireland will be determined by the power of communities coming together, like the one here at Queen’s.â€
Praising community efforts during the pandemic, Ms Clinton said a “spirit of coming together for the common good over political interest†was the same spirit that enabled the Belfast Agreement to be negotiated.
People need to “recommit†themselves to the same spirit today, she said during a ceremony on Friday in the university’s Whitla Hall.
The Belfast Agreement was a product of “tough, patient negotiation†and a “testament to the courage and faith of the people of Northern Irelandâ€.
“Yet we can not take it for granted,†she cautioned.
Ms Clinton will be the university’s 11th chancellor. She was appointed to the position in January 2020 for five years and officially assume the role on Friday.
During the Queen’s ceremony, a number of figures from business, politics, sport, the arts, policing and education were awarded honorary degrees, including Derry Girls writer and creator Lisa McGee.
Former Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) chief constable George Hamilton and international hockey player Shirley McCay also received honorary degrees.
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