Secret meeting for former world leaders
A secretive gathering of current and former world leaders was getting under way in Dublin today.
Organisers of the summit were remaining tight-lipped but it is understood that the guests include former US president Bill Clinton and his Russian counterpart Mikhail Gorbachev.
It is thought that there will be 50 delegates at the 41st annual Salute to Excellence and International Achievement Summit, organised by the Washington-based Academy of Achievement.
The group was set up to introduce young international scholars to inspirational leaders, artists and businessmen.
Afghanistan’s interim leader Hamid Karzai was set to join outgoing Colombian president Andres Pastrana, President Mary McAleese and her predecessor Mary Robinson at the event at a city hotel.
Mr Pastrana’s attendance will give Taoiseach Bertie Ahern the opportunity to discuss the detention of three alleged IRA men in Bogota.
Niall Connolly, James Monaghan and Martin McCauley are awaiting trial accused of training Marxist guerrillas of the terror group FARC.
Northern Ireland peace broker and US Senator George Mitchell is also believed to be attending.
Mr Gorbachev is expected to build on the business contacts he developed in Dublin when he visited the city earlier this year.
During the visit, in which he received an honorary doctorate from Trinity College and was granted freedom of the city, Mr Gorbachev said he wished to forge stronger bonds between the high-tech industry sectors of Russia and Ireland.
Plans for the summit have been drawn up over recent months. Security will be tight at the venue - the Four Seasons Hotel in the south of the city.
It is understood that the Gardai have collaborated with international police and aviation groups and US security services.
Although some details have emerged, the meeting was going ahead behind firmly locked doors. The Academy of Achievement would not discuss an y details.
A spokesman at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin said there was a ‘‘very wide-ranging invitation list’’ but could not confirm who it included.
A Garda spokesman said: ‘‘We have no details available.’’
Last year’s Salute to Excellence was held in San Antonio, Texas, and was graced by a selection of world leaders including former Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, as well as authors, artists, sports stars, captains of industry and Nobel Laureates.
