Robinson Calls For Even-Handedness From Obama

Speaking after writing to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to raise his concerns about the development, Mr Robinson said that he did not believe the motion passed by the powerful state's Democrats would lead to a change in US policy towards the North.

Mr Robinson's letter follows the unanimous decision by the California Democratic Party, of which the US House of Representatives' Speaker Nancy Pelosi is a member, to pass a motion calling for a united Ireland and send copies to US President Barack Obama.

Writing in his capacity as DUP leader, Mr Robinson said: "I hope we will see the administration openly distancing itself from this motion adopted by the California Democratic Party."

Mr Robinson said that it was important for the new White House incumbent to maintain the even-handed approach of previous US administrations.

"I have no doubt that the adoption of this foolish motion by one state Democratic Party will seem of limited importance to the White House or the US State Department, nevertheless it raises concerns with people here in Northern Ireland," he said.

"The Democrats control all three branches of the United States government: the Senate, the House of Representatives and the Presidency (sic)."

"It is vitally important that they are seen to be adopting a neutral and even-handed policy on Northern Ireland.  Any sign that the administration favours one political point of view in Northern Ireland over another could have potentially damaging and destabilising consequences for US-Northern Ireland relations."

Mr Robinson said that the Bush administration "largely well-received by unionists in its dealings with the North" has been successful in its work with the North because it was seen as an "honest broker that did not pick sides."

"I have written to Mrs Clinton to emphasise this point," he said.

"People want to see the Obama administration adopt an honest-broker role. The adoption of a resolution supporting a united Ireland is not compatible with such a position prevailing."

The First Minister said that both President Obama and Mrs Clinton had given him verbal assurances during past meetings that they would be supportive of "both traditions" in the North and would not "engage on behalf of any sectional interests."

Last week Ulster Unionist leader Sir Reg Empey denounced the California Democrats' decision as "provocative" and called on Mr Obama's administration to restate its support for the right of the people of North to determine their constitutional position without interference from the 26 counties.