"There is considerable risk in this two-stage approach," one said, requesting anonymity because of his involvement in confidential negotiations.

The dollar amount of the ransom is part of an ongoing confidential negotiation.

The State Government and the Westfield Group are finalising confidential commercial negotiations, in relatation to the funding of the station.

Handelman confirmed that the hospital had made such an offer, but objected to its public disclosure, stating it had been presented during confidential negotiations.

Having country-by-country confidential negotiations is not justified.

Further disruption struck when Derek Simpson, a Unite co-leader, was discovered to have leaked details of confidential negotiations online via Twitter.

And at some institutions dozens of individuals are party to the confidential negotiations.

Some officials familiar with the confidential negotiations have said the natives could acquire two-thirds of the drilling area.

Accordingly, they entered into confidential negotiations with Collingwood.

"We do not comment on confidential negotiations," said Roman Popadiuk, a White House spokesman.