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February 17, 2011

By Staff Reporter

In a carefully crafted speech to politicians in Stormont, Monday Clinton also said that the devolution of policing and justice powers is an issue for the Assembly alone.
The DUP had earlier made it clear that they would not be pressurized into agreeing to the transfer of these powers to Stormont.
“The Obama administration and the United States is committed to helping you finish your journey,” Clinton said in an address to the Assembly. _
“But when it comes to the important issue of the devolution of policing and justice, that is a decision for this Assembly to take.
“As a true friend, my hope is that you will achieve what you set out to do, to complete the process of devolution.”
However, as members of the Assembly gave Secretary Clinton a standing ovation, the DUP’s Gregory Campbell and William McCrea were seen leaving the chamber. Both men have spoken out against the swift devolution of policing and justice.
The transferring of policing and justice powers to Stormont has been a major sticking point in recent weeks. Clinton was in Belfast to encourage politicians – and especially the Democratic Unionist Party – to agree to the devolution of these powers as the final piece of the Good Friday Agreement. Republicans and unionists have still to come to an agreement on a deal.
A letter detailing British Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s financial offer to pay for the devolution move was delivered to the First and Deputy First Ministers on Monday.
Before addressing Stormont Mrs. Clinton had earlier met with the DUP and Sinn F

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