"To your continued health," offered the diplomat.

They said the diplomat offered no explanation.

The diplomats reported that France was trying to persuade the 54-year-old general to leave, and had offered to provide him with safe passage to Paris.

Iranian diplomats showed their concern but did not offer any assistance, though they were willing to provide asylum to the rebel group in Iran.

"Better not discuss politics or religion out there, if you want to leave on friendly terms," a diplomat offered.

The diplomat could not offer any further information to explain the incident.

Scholars and diplomats offer another reason for Mr. Balaguer's success.

Pausing for a moment, the diplomat offered an appreciative nod to Okagawa.

"I just picked up the bag down on Varick Street," the diplomat offered.

Hoping to avert a French occupation, the diplomat offered to submit under various degrading terms.