The former US diplomat Richard Haass says differences in the northern talks are difficult but not intractable.

All-party discussions will resume this afternoon, after breaking up without agreement on Christmas Eve.

Richard Haass says there's a real opportunity for progress as the current effort aims to rebuild the peace, by resolving issues around flags, parades and violence relating to the troubles.

The Irish correspondent for the Guardian and the Observer, Henry McDonald, says unsolved crimes are a bone of contention.