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G8 summit: Barack Obama arrives in Northern Ireland G8 summit: Barack Obama arrives in Northern Ireland
(35 minutes later)
US President Barack Obama has said the road to a lasting peace in Northern Ireland is "as urgent now as it has ever been".US President Barack Obama has said the road to a lasting peace in Northern Ireland is "as urgent now as it has ever been".
The president was addressing a gathering at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, ahead of the G8 summit in County Fermanagh.The president was addressing a gathering at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, ahead of the G8 summit in County Fermanagh.
President Obama said there was "more to lose now" than before.President Obama said there was "more to lose now" than before.
The president is accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and daughters Sasha and Malia.The president is accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and daughters Sasha and Malia.
President Obama said he had wanted to come to Northern Ireland, describing it as a place of "remarkable beauty and extraordinary history".President Obama said he had wanted to come to Northern Ireland, describing it as a place of "remarkable beauty and extraordinary history".
He said Northern Ireland was "part of an island with which tens of millions of Americans share an eternal relationship".He said Northern Ireland was "part of an island with which tens of millions of Americans share an eternal relationship".
"If there's one thing on which Democrats and Republicans in America wholeheartedly agree, it's that we strongly support a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland," he said."If there's one thing on which Democrats and Republicans in America wholeheartedly agree, it's that we strongly support a peaceful and prosperous Northern Ireland," he said.
"But as all of you know well, for all the strides you've made, there's still much work to do. There are still people who haven't reaped the rewards of peace; who aren't convinced that the effort is worth it."But as all of you know well, for all the strides you've made, there's still much work to do. There are still people who haven't reaped the rewards of peace; who aren't convinced that the effort is worth it.
"There are still wounds that haven't healed, and communities where tension and mistrust hangs in the air. There are walls that still stand; there are still miles to go.""There are still wounds that haven't healed, and communities where tension and mistrust hangs in the air. There are walls that still stand; there are still miles to go."
He added: "If you continue your courageous path towards a permanent peace, and all the social and economic benefits that come with it, that won't just be good for you.He added: "If you continue your courageous path towards a permanent peace, and all the social and economic benefits that come with it, that won't just be good for you.
"It will be good for this entire island, for the United Kingdom, for Europe; and it will be good for the world.""It will be good for this entire island, for the United Kingdom, for Europe; and it will be good for the world."
The president said America would always "stand by" Northern Ireland.
"We will keep working closely with leaders in Stormont, and Dublin, and Westminster to support your political progress."
He added: "To those who choose the path of peace, I promise you, the United States of America will support you every step of the way.
"We will always be a wind at your back. And like I said when I visited two years ago, I am convinced that this little island, that inspires the biggest things - its best days are yet ahead."
Earlier, Michelle Obama addressed the audience and said the youth "might well be some of the most important people we meet during our visit"..Earlier, Michelle Obama addressed the audience and said the youth "might well be some of the most important people we meet during our visit"..
"Standing here with all of you today, I have never felt more optimistic," she said."Standing here with all of you today, I have never felt more optimistic," she said.
Air Force One touched down at Belfast International Airport at about 08:35 BST on Monday.Air Force One touched down at Belfast International Airport at about 08:35 BST on Monday.
Prime Minister David Cameron has already arrived for the G8 summit, as have some of the other leaders.Prime Minister David Cameron has already arrived for the G8 summit, as have some of the other leaders.
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper attended engagements in Dublin on Sunday. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has also arrived ahead of the summit.Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper attended engagements in Dublin on Sunday. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has also arrived ahead of the summit.
The remaining leaders will arrive in Northern Ireland later on Monday.The remaining leaders will arrive in Northern Ireland later on Monday.
Global eventGlobal event
The two-day global event is being held at the Lough Erne golf resort, amid an unprecedented security operation involving thousands of police officers.The two-day global event is being held at the Lough Erne golf resort, amid an unprecedented security operation involving thousands of police officers.
The public has been warned to expect traffic disruption around Enniskillen, the M2 and at both Belfast airports.The public has been warned to expect traffic disruption around Enniskillen, the M2 and at both Belfast airports.
Congestion is also expected in Belfast city due to the President Obama's visit.Congestion is also expected in Belfast city due to the President Obama's visit.
A number of road closures have been in place in Belfast from about 08:15 BST, affecting the M2 citybound, the Sydenham Bypass and Oxford Street in Belfast.A number of road closures have been in place in Belfast from about 08:15 BST, affecting the M2 citybound, the Sydenham Bypass and Oxford Street in Belfast.
Traffic disruptionTraffic disruption
Police have advised commuters to "consider alternatives to avoid congestion such as arriving in work early or utilising public transport".Police have advised commuters to "consider alternatives to avoid congestion such as arriving in work early or utilising public transport".
Passengers travelling to both airports have been asked to allow extra time for their journeys, as checkpoints are in place around Belfast International Airport, and traffic bound for George Best Belfast City Airport will be affected by delays on the Sydenham Bypass.Passengers travelling to both airports have been asked to allow extra time for their journeys, as checkpoints are in place around Belfast International Airport, and traffic bound for George Best Belfast City Airport will be affected by delays on the Sydenham Bypass.
Several post-primary schools in Belfast have confirmed they will close on Monday to all students, except GCSE and A-level exam candidates.Several post-primary schools in Belfast have confirmed they will close on Monday to all students, except GCSE and A-level exam candidates.
In Enniskillen, the local educational authority, the Western Education and Library Board, has encouraged schools to stay open and maintain a "business as usual" approach during the two-day summit.In Enniskillen, the local educational authority, the Western Education and Library Board, has encouraged schools to stay open and maintain a "business as usual" approach during the two-day summit.