Stormont talks paused until after election
Formal talks to restore powersharing have been stalled, to resume after the UK goes to the polls.
Last updated 27th Apr 2017
The announcement comes after seven weeks of talks between the main parties in Northern Ireland.
June 29 is the latest deadline set by the British Government for formation of a ministerial Executive at Stormont.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Secretary of State James Brokenshire insisted some progress has been made on developing a programme for devolved government.
He also stressed that there has been movement on addressing the legacy of thousands of conflict killings and injuries.
But he also revealed a number of outstanding issues remain to be resolved.
Mr Brokenshire's office said: "At round-table discussions today involving the UK Government, the parties capable of forming an Executive and the Irish Government, it was agreed that formal talks to establish an Executive will be paused until after the General Election.''
He added: "All the parties involved recognise it is vital devolved government, and all of the institutions established under the Belfast Agreement and its successors, resumes in Northern Ireland as soon as possible.
He added: "Although formal round-table talks are paused until after the General Election, a range of bilateral discussions will continue, with a view to building on progress.''