Former US diplomat Richard Haass (R) and co-chair Meghan O’Sullivan (L) speak to the media during a press conference at the Stormont hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland on December 31, 2013. Haass said no agreement had been reached during talks with Northern Ireland’s five main policital parties, aimed at solving some of Northern Ireland’s most contentious issues on flags, parades and the past. AFP PHOTO / PETER MUHLY