BRITAIN-NIRELAND-US-UNREST-DIPLOMACY

A pedestrian walks near a paramilitary mural in Belfast, Northern Ireland on December 30, 2013, as Northern Ireland's five main political parties talk on solving some of Northern Ireland's most contentious issues on flags, parades and the past with former US diplomat Richard Haass and co-chair Meghan O'Sullivan. More than 3,500 people died during three decades of violence between Catholic republicans and Protestant unionists who want to remain part of Britain. The unrest was largely brought to an end by 1998 peace accords which created a power-sharing government between the two communities, although low-level violence continues, most recent clashes having been sparked by the issue of flags, when and where they are flown and the summer marching season. AFP PHOTO / PETER MUHLY (Photo credit should read PETER MUHLY/AFP via Getty Images)