The United States has appointed a former senator to play a direct role in the next round of talks in Northern Ireland.
Former US Senator Gary Hart is expected to arrive in Belfast by the end of October.
US Secretary of State John Kerry said that he was asking Senator Hart to support the parties as they enter the new talks, which have been jointly convened by the Irish and British governments.
He said Senator Hart had spent time in Ireland and Northern Ireland over the past 30 years and knows many of the leaders.
Mr Hart has largely taken a backseat role in US politics since his alleged extramarital affair with a young woman hit the US during his second failed bid to win the Democratic Party nomination to run for president.
In 1987, he spent a three-week holiday in Ireland shortly after he withdrew from the presidential race when rumours of the affair broke in the US national media.
Secretary Kerry said he was confident Mr Hart would be able to help the parties as well as "reinvigorate efforts to promote a shared society".
The US Consul General in Belfast, Greg Burton, will assist Mr Hart in his new role in Northern Ireland, serving as his deputy.
Senator Hart will engage in the new round of talks as the Secretary of State's Personal Representative.
Mr Kerry described him as one of the "most respected and accomplished senior statesmen", a "creative and strategic thinker" and his "long-time friend".
There are no further details as to the exact nature of Senator Hart's work, but the State Department said he would play a "direct, on the ground diplomatic role".
Mr Hart served as a US Senator for the State of Colorado from 1975 to 1987.
