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US Haass talks enter second day in Belfast US Haass talks enter second day in Belfast
(about 3 hours later)
US diplomat Richard Haass is holding a second day of talks in Northern Ireland in an effort to overcome the obstacles to peace and stability.US diplomat Richard Haass is holding a second day of talks in Northern Ireland in an effort to overcome the obstacles to peace and stability.
He is chairing inter-party talks in Belfast on parades, flags and the past - issues that have proven too difficult for NI politicians to resolve.He is chairing inter-party talks in Belfast on parades, flags and the past - issues that have proven too difficult for NI politicians to resolve.
On Tuesday, he met delegations from the two main nationalist parties - Sinn Féin and the SDLP.On Tuesday, he met delegations from the two main nationalist parties - Sinn Féin and the SDLP.
He is due to hear from their unionist counterparts and the Alliance Party.He is due to hear from their unionist counterparts and the Alliance Party.
In the Europa Hotel on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Haass met the SDLP, who told him he should put forward his own proposals if the parties cannot find agreement by Christmas.In the Europa Hotel on Tuesday afternoon, Mr Haass met the SDLP, who told him he should put forward his own proposals if the parties cannot find agreement by Christmas.
He also heard from Sinn Féin who think the problems on the agenda can be resolved, but acknowledge that dealing with the past might prove the most difficult.He also heard from Sinn Féin who think the problems on the agenda can be resolved, but acknowledge that dealing with the past might prove the most difficult.
The US team moved to the Stormont hotel on Wednesday.The US team moved to the Stormont hotel on Wednesday.
Early in the morning, Dr Haass and Prof Meghan O'Sullivan, the vice chair of the talks, met a delegation from the Royal Black Institution - one of the Protestant loyal orders in Northern Ireland - who described the discussion as "worthwhile and constructive".Early in the morning, Dr Haass and Prof Meghan O'Sullivan, the vice chair of the talks, met a delegation from the Royal Black Institution - one of the Protestant loyal orders in Northern Ireland - who described the discussion as "worthwhile and constructive".
The institution presented Dr Haass with a 15-point discussion paper that dealt mainly with the issue of parading.The institution presented Dr Haass with a 15-point discussion paper that dealt mainly with the issue of parading.
Dr Haass and Prof O'Sullivan then met the Ulster Unionists, who have said they want to ensure that the views of innocent victims and security force veterans are heard.Dr Haass and Prof O'Sullivan then met the Ulster Unionists, who have said they want to ensure that the views of innocent victims and security force veterans are heard.
Afterwards, UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said it was a useful meeting and said the real work would be done in round-table discussions. He said his party was looking for political consensus and the hope was to produce agreement before the end of the year.Afterwards, UUP leader Mike Nesbitt said it was a useful meeting and said the real work would be done in round-table discussions. He said his party was looking for political consensus and the hope was to produce agreement before the end of the year.
Dr Haass is due to meet the DUP who are demanding an end to what they call "cultural apartheid". Dr Haass then met the DUP who are demanding an end to what they call "cultural apartheid".
A meeting with the Alliance Party is scheduled for the early evening. The party has welcomed Dr Haass' indication that segregation in education and housing can be discussed.A meeting with the Alliance Party is scheduled for the early evening. The party has welcomed Dr Haass' indication that segregation in education and housing can be discussed.
Dr Haass has also encouraged community groups and smaller parties to contribute ideas to the talks.Dr Haass has also encouraged community groups and smaller parties to contribute ideas to the talks.