Second, there were never substantive talks because the two sides could not agree even on how to sit at the same table.

The first substantive talks on military issues began on July 6.

By summer's end they could be ready to designate representatives to begin substantive talks.

The first move by the administration will most likely be to search for a way to open substantive talks, a senior administration official said today.

He said that no substantive talks were under way.

There have been no substantive talks between officials of the two countries in more than four years.

The students do not want to start substantive talks until Monday.

During this time, there have been no substantive talks about a settlement, people with knowledge of the case said.

"One of them is struggling for life although we offered substantive talks on this to the Government."

We're not going to have any substantive talk with a mob like that.