Senior politicians and representatives of groups close to factions engaged in the war in Iraq have concluded four days of secret talks in Finland aimed at bringing about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Politicians from the North and from South Africa were present at the talks which were sponsored by the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy Studies at the University of Massachusetts with the assistance of the Crisis Management Initiative headed by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari.
Talks participants committed themselves to work towards a robust framework for a lasting settlement in Iraq and will now consult on twelve recommendations agreed as a basis to starting formal negotiations.
These included resolving political issues through non-violence and democracy, prohibiting the use of arms during the negotiations and forming an independent commission to supervise disarmament of militia in a verifiable way.
Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, the DUPs Jeffrey Donaldson and former republican and loyalist paramilitaries attended the talks.
Leo Green, the Republican adviser to MEP Bairbre de Brún and himself a former IRA prisoner, and Ulster Volunteer Force-linked Billy Hutchinson were also present.
Mr Jeffrey Donaldson said principles of democracy and non-violence used in the North had been adopted by the participants.
Mr Donaldson said: "There has been very useful discussion. Agreement has been reached on the way forward between the parties and they are now going back to Iraq with these proposals.
"The agreement will be published this evening and it incorporates within it the George Mitchell principles of democracy and non-violence which have been lifted from the Northern Ireland process."
The accord also sought an end to the displacement of Iraqis and guarantees for their safe return in cooperation with political and tribal leaders.
Economic development, combating unemployment and adequately equipping security forces was also covered.
There was also an emphasis on the importance of foreign troop withdrawal and rebuilding the national army.
Political groups outside the process are to be urged to initiate dialogue under the proposals and members of armed groups would be offered jobs and opportunities.
The declaration also demanded an end to "continuous bombardment and military actions by foreign forces".
A spokesman for Sinn Féin said tonight: "Sinn Féin have consistently sought to assist other peace processes in recent years with our experience of conflict resolution in Ireland.
"It is welcome that progress has been made over the past number of days and the participants have agreed to a series of principles for moving forward peacefully in Iraq."
Additional reporting: PA