London; 29 May 1997 (RFE/RL) - U.S. President Bill Clinton told the British cabinet in London today of the need to create within Europe a continent that is democratic, undivided and at peace for the first time ever.
Clinton said Europe has been periodically at peace but never all democratic and certainly never undivided. He also said it was good for America to have a Britain that is strong in Europe.
Clinton's address to the cabinet in Downing Street -- unprecedented in modern British history -- was greeted by cabinet members banging the table with their hands in the traditional signal of approbation.
New Labour British prime minister Tony Blair said he hoped Clinton's visit ushered in a new time of understanding and bilateral cooperation. He and Clinton then went into private talks expected to cover Northern Ireland, Bosnia and European integration. British officials say the two leaders are planning a joint initiative at next month's G-7 summit in Denver, Colorado, to tackle unemployment.
Britain is the third and final stop on Clinton's European tour.
Clinton said Europe has been periodically at peace but never all democratic and certainly never undivided. He also said it was good for America to have a Britain that is strong in Europe.
Clinton's address to the cabinet in Downing Street -- unprecedented in modern British history -- was greeted by cabinet members banging the table with their hands in the traditional signal of approbation.
New Labour British prime minister Tony Blair said he hoped Clinton's visit ushered in a new time of understanding and bilateral cooperation. He and Clinton then went into private talks expected to cover Northern Ireland, Bosnia and European integration. British officials say the two leaders are planning a joint initiative at next month's G-7 summit in Denver, Colorado, to tackle unemployment.
Britain is the third and final stop on Clinton's European tour.