Haass Talks Preparation Begins

The terms of reference have been laid out for a new panel to be chaired by US peace envoy Dr Richard Haass, that will look at how to deal with issues surrounding flags and emblems in Northern Ireland.

The 'Together: Building a United Community' Strategy was published on 23 May 2013.

It outlines a framework which the government intends to use to tackle the ongoing problems of community division and sectarianism in Northern Ireland.

The independently chaired Panel will be invited to: "Bring forward a set of recommendations by the end of 2013 on parades and protests; flags, symbols, emblems and related matters stemming from the past that will provide long-term and sustainable solutions that are in the best interests of this community and will make the peace more resilient going forward," the statement said.

"In doing so the Group will seek the views of, and evidence from, interested stakeholders on how best to address the issues that cause community division."

The First Minister and deputy First Minister will appoint an independent Chair and Vice Chair from outside Northern Ireland's main political parties, representatives from their own parties and two nominations from the remaining Executive parties to form the Panel.

The Panel will then determine which stakeholders should be invited to join the Panel and which organisations should be asked to give evidence.

It will also determine how often and in what format it will meet.

The Panel will report regularly to the First Minister and deputy First Minister, with draft recommendations expected by late November or early December.

(IT/CD)