It's hoped all party talks in the North can resume this afternoon in a bid to reach agreement on a number of contentious issues before Christmas.
Former US diplomat Richard Haass is chairing the negotiations which are centred on the controversial issues of parades, flags and the legacy of past conflict.
The flags issue is proving the most contentious – with a fourth draft document of proposals now under scrutiny by all sides.
Northern Editor with the Irish Times, Gerry Moriarty, outlines some of the progress that has already been made
