At the conclusion of two days of intensified meetings at Stormont House, the Secretary of State, Rt Hon Theresa Villiers MP said:
I welcome the significant increase in the degree and pace of engagement by all talks participants this week, with the parties maintaining a presence in Stormont House throughout Wednesday and Thursday. There has been a positive approach by all in trying to find an agreed way forward on some difficult issues, and I very much hope that this will continue.
It is also encouraging that in addition to government meetings, the parties have taken advantage of their shared location to have a large number of bilateral contacts. This is to be welcomed. It is important to maintain this approach next week, and I would encourage the parties to continue to meet on a regular basis over the coming days.
Discussions will resume again early next week.