It was also an offer to open direct political talks with Washington, for the first time without a list of conditions.

But he failed to set up a new round of direct talks.

The agreement called for direct talks with just the heads of state.

"But I think it is important now that the politicians have direct talks."

The two sides' first direct talks were in Rome three weeks ago.

Days later the parties are to begin direct bilateral talks.

"We are in direct talks with these potential partners," Surface told us.

The president should also attempt direct talks with the Iranians.

He defended his nation's call for direct talks with Iran.

"We don't want to have the direct talks unless it's absolutely necessary," he said today.