This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-25487289
The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
NI parties to hold round-table talks with Richard Haass | NI parties to hold round-table talks with Richard Haass |
(about 4 hours later) | |
The five Northern Ireland Executive parties are to hold round-table talks later on the latest proposals for dealing with parades, flags and the past. | The five Northern Ireland Executive parties are to hold round-table talks later on the latest proposals for dealing with parades, flags and the past. |
Former US diplomat Richard Haass gave them a third draft document on Sunday. | Former US diplomat Richard Haass gave them a third draft document on Sunday. |
This document recommends a separate process to deal with flags, as the parties could not reach consensus on the issue. | This document recommends a separate process to deal with flags, as the parties could not reach consensus on the issue. |
Unionists had rejected a previous draft because of concerns about it. | Unionists had rejected a previous draft because of concerns about it. |
Their objections had centred on the suggestion of a licensing scheme that would have meant permits being issued for the flying of flags on the streets. | Their objections had centred on the suggestion of a licensing scheme that would have meant permits being issued for the flying of flags on the streets. |
Politicians have been providing feedback on the proposals to Dr Haass and his team, and a revised version will form the basis for the round-table talks. | Politicians have been providing feedback on the proposals to Dr Haass and his team, and a revised version will form the basis for the round-table talks. |
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said on Sunday that he was happier with the latest proposals. | Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt said on Sunday that he was happier with the latest proposals. |
Christmas deadline | |
The DUP said it would not carry out any negotiations on a Sunday, but this would not rule out a busy period after midnight and on Monday morning ahead of the talks that are expected to begin at 11:00 GMT. | The DUP said it would not carry out any negotiations on a Sunday, but this would not rule out a busy period after midnight and on Monday morning ahead of the talks that are expected to begin at 11:00 GMT. |
On Friday, Dr Haass said he would leave "no stone unturned" in an effort to reach an agreement with the parties before Christmas. | On Friday, Dr Haass said he would leave "no stone unturned" in an effort to reach an agreement with the parties before Christmas. |
Writing on his Twitter account during the early hours of Monday morning, Dr Haass tweeted: "Long day, but not yet where we need to be. Much to be settled before Christmas; won't be easy, but surely worth it for Northern Ireland." | |
Dr Haass and Harvard professor Meghan O'Sullivan were brought to Northern Ireland in July by the first and deputy first ministers, with an aim of finding consensus on a range of thorny issues by the end of the year. | Dr Haass and Harvard professor Meghan O'Sullivan were brought to Northern Ireland in July by the first and deputy first ministers, with an aim of finding consensus on a range of thorny issues by the end of the year. |