http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/2918761.stm

Bush to visit NI for talks
The leaders will hold talks at a venue near Belfast
The leaders will hold talks at a venue near Belfast
US President George Bush is to visit Northern Ireland next week to hold talks over the political process and the war in Iraq.

The White House confirmed on Friday that the American leader would be in the province to hold talks with UK prime minister Tony Blair.

The two leaders will also discuss the unrest in the Middle East, said a spokesman.

This will be President Bush's first visit to Northern Ireland.

Reports from the US said it would be a two-day visit.

It is understood President Bush will arrive in Northern Ireland on Monday.

The president's going to get a first-hand insight and update on the incredible progress being made on the Northern Ireland peace process as well as discuss other efforts in the world to bring peace and security to the Middle East
White House spokesman

The talks will be held near Belfast.

A Downing Street spokesman said the two leaders would join Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern for talks with the pro-Agreement parties.

They will have meetings with the Ulster Unionist Party, SDLP and Sinn Fein.

The Downing Street spokesman said: "It is an important week in the Northern Ireland peace process.

"It will be useful to get the US President's support for our efforts to encourage the leaders to the acts of completion the prime minister has outlined."

A White House spokesman said: "The president's going to get a first-hand insight and update on the incredible progress being made on the Northern Ireland peace process as well as discuss other efforts in the world to bring peace and security to the Middle East."