Taoiseach and Blair to receive peace award in US

TAOISEACH Bertie Ahern will receive a peace award in New York this week, along with British prime minister Tony Blair, in recognition of their joint efforts during the negotiation of the Good Friday Agreement.

Mr Ahern, who departs this morning for a four-day visit to the USA, will also officially address the United Nations General Assembly following an invitation to do so by UN secretary general Kofi Annan.

It is understood that, during his speech to the UN General Assembly on Thursday, Mr Ahern will reiterate the importance of the UN’s role in international affairs and outline Ireland’s approach to the numerous international policy challenges facing the world at present. Mr Ahern stated “I am deeply honoured to have been invited by Secretary General Kofi Annan to address this year’s General Assembly of the UN. I am convinced that the primacy of the UN must remain paramount.”