That is why they have come a long way toward agreement on a new political system.

"I think we're moving toward agreement in those areas," he said.

If the meeting turned out to be one more step toward an agreement, that was not such a bad outcome either.

Something was needed to push the parties toward an agreement.

"We are counting in the first place on significant progress toward national agreement," he said.

Officials said the offer to discuss tax increases was made in part to move the Democrats toward an agreement.

Three weeks ago, those negotiations appeared headed toward an agreement.

There was hope that the reduction in violence would be followed quickly by significant steps toward a political agreement.

Silver stopped short of opposing the entire plan, and said he would continue to work toward an agreement.

Top negotiators say they have made important progress toward agreement on new international trade rules.