That was a key rebel demand.

He emphasized that he would not discuss power-sharing, a central rebel demand.

Although there were reports that Robinson had agreed to the rebel demands, the security forces appeared determined to resist any such deal.

They are unmoved by rebel demands for release of former junta leaders, lawfully convicted of wholesale abuse of human rights.

It was also notable that the civilian population showed no sympathy for the rebel demands.

Sierra Leone's President has so far refused rebel demands to free the rebel leader and to join in observing a weeklong truce.

The interim prime minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, says the government will also hold elections to draft a new constitution, another key rebel demand.

In an effort to lure the rebel leaders into a meeting, President Fox on Tuesday had said he would comply with rebel demands for troop withdrawals.

Mr. Yeltsin could not reasonably accept the Chechen rebel demand for full independence.

This would go part way to meeting the rebel demands by giving them greater say over the heavily Tamil north and east.