Nationalist and unionist politicians have held two days of talks with Israeli and Palestinian representatives in England in an attempt to learn mutual lessons in conflict-resolution.
The talks were held at Weston Park in Shropshire, the scene of last summer's negotiations designed to break the political deadlock in Northern Ireland.
The talks on Thursday and Friday were attended by Israeli and Palestinian politicians and senior representatives from the Ulster Unionist Party, the SDLP, Sinn Féin and the Progressive Unionist Party. European Commissioner Mr Chris Patten also attended.
Mr Mark Durkan, the SDLP leader and Deputy First Minister, said while there were differences between the two conflicts, there were also many parallels between Northern Ireland and the Middle East.
"As in Northern Ireland, it is clear that the vast majority of ordinary Palestinians and Israelis want to end the conflict and a negotiated solution," he said. "What is required is a realisation and determination from within that dialogue is the only way forward."
He said negotiators learnt a great deal ahead of the Belfast Agreement in talks in South Africa and he hoped that the Northern Ireland and Middle East politicians would similarly leave Weston Park with new ideas.
In terms of the Middle East, Mr Durkan said: "In Northern Ireland we all made compromises for peace. We also learnt to listen and adapt to opponents' needs. We learnt that mutual engagement also requires mutual adjustment."
Among those attending the private conference organised by the Guardian newspaper were Mr Martin McGuinness of Sinn Féin, the UUP Enterprise Minister, Sir Reg Empey, and the Progressive Unionist Party leader, Mr David Ervine.
