31.   The unionists appeared to have made a concession in softening their demand that disarmament be the first order of business of the talks and remain paramount throughout.

32.   There was no immediate word on the contents of the talks, but in recent days, the rebels have shown little intention of softening their demands.

33.   The rebel statement came after the MRTA had appeared to soften its demand following a direct meeting with government negotiator Domigo Palermo on Saturday.