SINN Féin chief Martin McGuinness has said the US administration remains engaged with the political process in the North.
Speaking from Washington after meeting officials from The White House, Mr McGuinness said;
“I had a positive and encouraging meeting with senior officials from The White House today.
“The US administration clearly remains engaged with the political process in the North and they continue to play a constructive role.
“At the meeting I made it clear to them that the institutions of the Good Friday Agreement, which have underpinned the peace process for almost two decades, are facing a real crisis as a result of the policies of this British government.
“The political institutions, and the progress we have made over the last two decades of the peace process, are under a real threat and it is my hope that the US administration can encourage the British government to take a more positive approach on dealing with the North.”
The DUP has criticised Mr McGuinness’s trip saying the talking should be done in Belfast, not Washington.
Secretary of State Thereas Villiers is also in America to talk to US officials about the problems facing the Stormont Assembly and its budget.