Representatives of Iraq's Sunni and Shia factions have agreed to consider a series of principles on non-violence after talks involving politicians from Northern Ireland and South Africa.
The discussions were held at a secret location in Finland over the weekend.
The talks were co-chaired by Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, and former South African Government Minister Roelf Meyer.
Speaking on RTÉ Radio's Morning Ireland, Mr McGuinness said that Billy Hutchinson from the Progressive Unionist Party attended the talks as well as the Democratic Unionist Party’s Jeffrey Donaldson.
Mr McGuinness said he is 'very heartened' at the level of progress made.
He said the Iraqi representatives were serious people who were there with the support of key players in Iraq.
Mr McGuinness said he hopes the four days of talks represent the beginning of a process towards inclusive negotiations.
