Northern Ireland's pro-Agreement parties confirmed today that they will meet more regularly in the future to manage difficulties in the peace process.
Northern Ireland Secretary Dr John Reid said, after a four-and-a-half hour meeting involving the British and Irish governments, there was an acceptance by everyone that they would have to resolve problems in the peace process together.
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"The solution to the problems in Northern Ireland will be found in Northern Ireland," Dr Reid said.
"They will be found here and therefore the more regularly in my view the pro-Agreement parties meet together and honestly and maturely discuss openly and honestly their own problems, the better chance we have of success.
Dr Reid was speaking as talks involving the Ulster Unionists, Sinn Féin, the SDLP, the Alliance Party, the Progressive Unionists, and the Women's Coalition broke up.
The talks were held ahead of a meeting next week involving the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, and the British prime minister, Mr Tony Blair.
Dr Reid played down criticism of Ulster Unionist leader David Trimble for not attending today's implementation group meeting.