They were considered the first direct negotiations in seven years between the two parties.
Direct negotiations began in July 1990, but they soon failed.
But there was still no indication when direct negotiations would start.
But this battle has so far had little direct negotiation anyway.
Direct negotiations would mean nothing if decisions were to be imposed from a higher level.
It was too difficult to explain that the Chief had ordered direct negotiations.
And as this section you just read makes very clear, it's our view that direct negotiations between the parties alone can lead to peace.
If at all possible, direct negotiations are to be shunned.
What's important here is the process of direct negotiations between the parties themselves.
That conference is to be followed by direct negotiations designed to achieve real peace.