61.   Putin reiterated that peace talks were unlikely because there were no feasible Chechen negotiating partners, the ITAR-Tass news agency reported.

62.   Rugova and others are demanding full independence, but he is considered a more acceptable negotiating partner because he opposes violence.

63.   Rugova and others are demanding full independence, but Rugova is considered a more acceptable negotiating partner because he opposes violence.

64.   Still, isolated North Korea remains a difficult negotiating partner.

65.   Such images disquiet many Israelis, who have had a hard enough time accepting Arafat as a negotiating partner after years of reviling him as a terrorist.

66.   Some say a tougher but more predictable negotiating partner could be a relief.

67.   The discussion on the document is taking place in private, and the bargainers are very guarded in what they say publicly, not wanting to offend negotiating partners.

68.   The images disquiet many Israelis, who have had a hard enough time accepting Arafat as a negotiating partner after years of reviling him as a terrorist.

69.   The U.S. told its negotiating partners it wants to pull back its existing offers unless liberalization proposals from Asia and Canada were improved.

70.   With its leader, Zavgayev, in place, Russia now claims to have a legitimate negotiating partner instead of Dudayev, making any talks with the rebels unnecessary.