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Brown call over justice impasse Brown call over justice impasse
(40 minutes later)
It is vital Stormont politicans continue their work on devolving justice powers to Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said.It is vital Stormont politicans continue their work on devolving justice powers to Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said.
He said the British and Irish governments would do whatever it took to support their efforts.He said the British and Irish governments would do whatever it took to support their efforts.
The talks came as speculation mounts that agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein on the issue could be closer.The talks came as speculation mounts that agreement between the DUP and Sinn Fein on the issue could be closer.
Earlier, the NI deputy first minister said "earnest efforts" were being made to find a way through the impasse.Earlier, the NI deputy first minister said "earnest efforts" were being made to find a way through the impasse.
Martin McGuinness said critical discussions were taking place and he would not be drawn on the detail.
The talks between Gordon Brown and Brian Cowen took place in London.The talks between Gordon Brown and Brian Cowen took place in London.
Mr Cowen said the outstanding issues were ready for agreement and resolution and it was time for the Executive and the Assembly to act.Mr Cowen said the outstanding issues were ready for agreement and resolution and it was time for the Executive and the Assembly to act.
On Thursday, Martin McGuinness said critical discussions were taking place and he would not be drawn on the detail. Later on Thursday, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said talks with the DUP on the devolution of policing and justice remain at a serious, focused and sensitive point.
He refused to comment on speculation that the parades issue was one of the major stumbling blocks. Mr Adams, who is at Stormont castle, said senior party members had cleared their schedules and they were there ''to do business''.
A meeting of the party's Ard Choimaile has been postponed until the party's negotiators are in a position to put something definitive to it.
The DUP leader Peter Robinson who has stood aside briefly to deal with his wife Iris's mental illness is expected to attend the talks.
Meanwhile, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said it seemed that "a humbler DUP" had found "a clearer perspective" on the devolution of justice and policing.Meanwhile, SDLP leader Mark Durkan said it seemed that "a humbler DUP" had found "a clearer perspective" on the devolution of justice and policing.
Speaking after a meeting with Mr McGuinness, Mr Durkan said that the issue now is "how decisive they will be about delivering completion."Speaking after a meeting with Mr McGuinness, Mr Durkan said that the issue now is "how decisive they will be about delivering completion."
He added that the SDLP will not be "making it harder for any party to do the right thing from here and now."He added that the SDLP will not be "making it harder for any party to do the right thing from here and now."
Martin McGuinness said critical discussions were taking placeMartin McGuinness said critical discussions were taking place
Also on Thursday, Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams briefed a meeting of his party's officer board about the state of negotiations with the DUP.
After the meeting, he said: "Last weekend's planned Ard Chomhairle meeting was postponed due to the bad weather."
Mr Adams said the board decided not to hold a meeting until "the negotiating team is able to make a more definitive report about the current discussions about a date for the transfer of powers on policing and justice".
The question of how to deal with Orange Order parades is believed to be a sticking point between the parties.The question of how to deal with Orange Order parades is believed to be a sticking point between the parties.
Sinn Fein is resisting DUP efforts to replace the Parades Commission.Sinn Fein is resisting DUP efforts to replace the Parades Commission.
The DUP wants an alternative way to adjudicate on contentious marches along the lines of interim proposals produced by a group headed by Lord Ashdown.The DUP wants an alternative way to adjudicate on contentious marches along the lines of interim proposals produced by a group headed by Lord Ashdown.
It is thought the DUP and Sinn Fein could try to reach a compromise position or agree to resolve the issue at a future date.It is thought the DUP and Sinn Fein could try to reach a compromise position or agree to resolve the issue at a future date.
Alliance Party leader David Ford held talks with the DUP on Wednesday, a meeting which he described as "positive and useful".Alliance Party leader David Ford held talks with the DUP on Wednesday, a meeting which he described as "positive and useful".
However, he added there was "clearly still a lot of work to be done" before an agreement on policing and justice could be reached.However, he added there was "clearly still a lot of work to be done" before an agreement on policing and justice could be reached.
Sinn Fein has warned in recent weeks that progress needs to be made quickly or the power-sharing government could collapse.