Is there a trick to removing the retaining clips holding the clutchlever in?

[jtoomasson at yahoo.com (Jeff Toomasson)]

Towards the end of my session last night, I pulled off the tranny end cap to remove the clutch lever to replace the release/pushrod bearing.  I tried to get these clips off using a needle-nose but I quickly found out that this is probably NOT the way to do it.

Do I need a special tool? Or just more patience?! :)

TIA, JT