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Inter-party talks: US Envoy Gary Hart to begin meetings in Northern Ireland Inter-party talks: US envoy Gary Hart to begin meetings in Northern Ireland
(about 5 hours later)
The US envoy to the inter-party talks, Gary Hart, is to begin holding meetings with local politicians later.The US envoy to the inter-party talks, Gary Hart, is to begin holding meetings with local politicians later.
The former senator is on his first visit here since being appointed to the role.The former senator is on his first visit here since being appointed to the role.
The Stormont parties are negotiating to try to resolve outstanding issues, including budgets, welfare reform, and the legacy of the Troubles.The Stormont parties are negotiating to try to resolve outstanding issues, including budgets, welfare reform, and the legacy of the Troubles.
US envoy Gary Hart has promised to "listen closely" in his first meetings in the new round of inter-party talks.US envoy Gary Hart has promised to "listen closely" in his first meetings in the new round of inter-party talks.
Mr Hart will meet political parties individually, and it is thought he will ask them to outline their aims and perspectives.Mr Hart will meet political parties individually, and it is thought he will ask them to outline their aims and perspectives.
Speaking ahead of the talks, Mr Hart said no-one underestimated the complexities facing NI leaders.Speaking ahead of the talks, Mr Hart said no-one underestimated the complexities facing NI leaders.
He said many questioned whether the institutions could emerge from the "current political stagnation".He said many questioned whether the institutions could emerge from the "current political stagnation".
The current talks are aimed at resolving difficulties among the five parties in the Stormont government.The current talks are aimed at resolving difficulties among the five parties in the Stormont government.
Mr Hart said Northern Ireland had made a "remarkable journey" in the past 20 years.Mr Hart said Northern Ireland had made a "remarkable journey" in the past 20 years.
There had been major political, economic, and social successes, he said.There had been major political, economic, and social successes, he said.
"The United States provided political, economic and social support throughout this period."The United States provided political, economic and social support throughout this period.
"In coordination with Secretary Kerry, we will determine how the United States can use its good offices to help the parties find a path that will allow compromise and renewed progress," he said."In coordination with Secretary Kerry, we will determine how the United States can use its good offices to help the parties find a path that will allow compromise and renewed progress," he said.
"Working together, the parties can give Northern Ireland the stable, prosperous, and shared future its people deserve.""Working together, the parties can give Northern Ireland the stable, prosperous, and shared future its people deserve."
Mr Hart was appointed by US Secretary of State John Kerry last week to offer support to the parties.Mr Hart was appointed by US Secretary of State John Kerry last week to offer support to the parties.
Like the Haass talks that ended without a deal last December, the negotiators are considering the problems of flags, parades and the legacy of the Troubles.Like the Haass talks that ended without a deal last December, the negotiators are considering the problems of flags, parades and the legacy of the Troubles.
They will also examine changes to the way the assembly and executive work.They will also examine changes to the way the assembly and executive work.
Mr Hart is scheduled to meet the SDLP at noon, then the Ulster Unionists, followed by the Alliance Party.Mr Hart is scheduled to meet the SDLP at noon, then the Ulster Unionists, followed by the Alliance Party.
Ahead of the meeting, Alliance MLA Stephen Farry said it was time for parties to be honest on the all-party talks.Ahead of the meeting, Alliance MLA Stephen Farry said it was time for parties to be honest on the all-party talks.
"Parties must show a commitment to this process and be willing to attend all meetings and discuss every issue on the table," he said."Parties must show a commitment to this process and be willing to attend all meetings and discuss every issue on the table," he said.
"The people of Northern Ireland want to see these talks succeed, but that will not happen while politicians continue to put the interests of their party first, ahead of the public.""The people of Northern Ireland want to see these talks succeed, but that will not happen while politicians continue to put the interests of their party first, ahead of the public."
Mr Hart will speak to Martin McGuinness in his role as deputy first minister and as a senior member of Sinn Féin.Mr Hart will speak to Martin McGuinness in his role as deputy first minister and as a senior member of Sinn Féin.
He is also due to meet Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers.He is also due to meet Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers.
Last week, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) dismissed claims by Sinn Féin that the party was not engaged in the talks process.Last week, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) dismissed claims by Sinn Féin that the party was not engaged in the talks process.
It stayed away from the opening session of the talks on 16 October, with its party leader, Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson, describing it as a "circus" arranged for the cameras.It stayed away from the opening session of the talks on 16 October, with its party leader, Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson, describing it as a "circus" arranged for the cameras.
The DUP had objected to negotiating with the Irish government about Northern Ireland's internal affairs.The DUP had objected to negotiating with the Irish government about Northern Ireland's internal affairs.
The party met Ms Villiers, but, so far, has not taken part in round-table talks.The party met Ms Villiers, but, so far, has not taken part in round-table talks.