Trilateral talks aimed at a return to power sharing are under way at Stormont with the Ulster Unionists threatening a walkout over the North/South Ministerial Executive (NMSE).
UUP leader Mr David Trimble yesterday warned he would withdraw from the multiparty talks if both Irish and British governments failed to limit their role in the six cross-border bodies.
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UUP leader Mr David Trimble who warned yesterday he would withdraw from talks if the Irish and British governments failed to limit their role in cross-border bodies.
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Following the collapse of power-sharing, the governments took on caretaker roles, but the UUP is concerned the move represents a form of joint rule.
Although the UUP is not part of today's talks, a party delegation will meet the Minister for Foreign Affairs tomorrow to discuss the issue.
Mr Trimble has said Dáil legislation introduced two weeks ago to allow the Government assume joint control of the NMSE contravened the Belfast Agreement.
Today's Stormont talks are co-chaired by Northern Ireland Office minister Mr Des Browne and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Tom Kitt, and include delegations form Sinn Féin, the SDLP, the Progressive Unionist Party and the UK Unionist Party.
Allegations of continuing IRA activity will top the agenda, and Sinn Féin and the SDLP will again insist the Belfast Agreement is implemented in full.
Sinn Féin President Mr Gerry Adams is in the United States on a three-day visit where he will meet with politicians including the US special envoy to Northern Ireland Mr Richard Haass.