But Mr. Ortega's announcement of indirect talks triggered a rethinking, officials said.

Nasrallah stated on 31 October 2006 that indirect talks with Israel on hostage return had begun.

Mr. Ortega, reversing his past refusal to speak to the contras, agreed last week to open indirect talks.

This fall, Nicaragua allowed an independent newspaper and radio station to open, released some political prisoners, and agreed to indirect talks with the contras.

For the first time since the 1979 Iranian revolution, Americans sat around the same table for indirect talks with Iran.

American officials said the format of that conference might be a good vehicle for indirect talks with Syria and Iran.

The previous sessions were indirect talks in which each side spoke to a church mediator rather than speaking face-to-face as they are doing here today.

The indirect talks held by the President's of both parties satisfied the Council.

While it remains uncertain what indirect talks will achieve, the offer appears to be a giant step forward for the contras.

But an expected meeting between representatives of the two sides to begin direct negotiations failed to materialize, although indirect talks continued early this morning.