71.   A rebel commander leading a secessionist movement in Indian-run Kashmir rejected on Tuesday an offer of direct talks from the Indian prime minister.

72.   A Tupac Amaru spokesman in Spain blamed Peru for ending direct talks.

73.   A top ethnic Albanian negotiator in Kosovo indicated the Albanians were likely to reject the new initiative by Serbian authorities for long-sought direct talks.

74.   After a recent upswing in violence, the two parties last week renewed direct talks to try to resolve their differences.

75.   African leaders agreed Saturday in Libya on a peace deal that calls for a regional cease-fire and the first direct talks between Congo and its rebel fighters.

76.   Agani confirmed Tuesday that his delegation would not attend direct talks called for by Serbian President Milan Milutinovic.

77.   Agani said a basic formula for Kosovo must be found before direct talks could start.

78.   Also on Friday, mediation resumed between government officials and Rally officials after direct talks stalled the previous day, opposition officials said.

79.   Although Greece has not had any direct talks with the republic for nearly a year, the United Nations has made efforts to reconcile their differences.

80.   An American official said he had no idea if direct talks would continue.