As a result, North Korea's offer to send a senior envoy was rejected.

But in addition, a Western expert said that senior envoys often get their posts only through the personal intervention of an important party leader.

"Everything that is needed to undertake such action is in place," a senior envoy here said.

His comments echoed those of senior American envoys in the field.

"I don't think he has had anything encouraging" from Iran, a senior envoy said.

Iraq also sent a senior envoy to Islamabad this week, arguing its case.

But a senior envoy at the embassy said the biggest reason was not security issues.

"This is a new phenomenon," a senior Asian envoy said.

"I see the Indians casting about," said a senior Western envoy.

"I still think with all the hiccups and accidents along the road, it's not going too badly," a senior European envoy said.