For his part, the 55-year-old diplomat has made it clear he is ready for a long siege.

One city official said that the diplomats are making themselves look foolish.

The diplomat made a quick, and permanent, trip to Belgrade.

American diplomats in Moscow made light of the project.

But diplomats in Kinshasa made no attempt to block the process.

The diplomats made clear, though, that the political aspects of the peace settlement would not block the deal.

He could not do otherwise, as a senior Western diplomat in Moscow made clear.

Several diplomats made the point that the heroes and villains here were far from clear-cut.

"Our diplomats have made enough concessions to the United States," he said.

The diplomat made an effort and braced his shoulders.