The Ulster Unionists last night said that they had still not reached agreement with Sinn Fein over decommissioning and the establishment of an executive.
However, the party said it remained committed to Senator George Mitchell's review of the implementation of the Belfast Agreement.
Speaking as the talks closed, a UUP negotiator, Mr Michael McGimpsey, said discussions would continue today. "The central issue is still unresolved. We are satisfied the negotiations are continuing in good faith. We would like to reassure people that we are committed to achieving progress as soon as possible," he said.
"We are asking everyone to be patient if they can. What is important is that we end up with something that actually works."
Mr McGimpsey refused to take questions from the press.
Speaking shortly afterwards, the Sinn Fein chairman, Mr Mitchel McLaughlin, said: "We have been working intensively all day. Time is getting very short. The issue is becoming more and more urgent.
"The outcome of all of this for Sinn Fein is that we do get agreement on the setting up of the political institutions, and that, of course, will be the litmus test of the work that we have been involved in for the past 10 weeks."
Mr McLaughlin also refused to answer any questions from the press.
Speaking at Stormont earlier yesterday, he said the parties now had a much deeper understanding of their positions.
"I think we are getting very close to decision time. Whether or not we can pull this off I am in no position to say with any confidence," he said.