United Nations - Indonesian and Portuguese foreign ministers began UN-mediated talks on the future of East Timor yesterday, but neither side was expected to offer ways to surmount major hurdles on autonomy or independence for the territory.
Mr Ali Alatas, of Indonesia, and Mr Jaime Gama, of Portugal, saw the Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, at his residence.
The two ministers will meet the UN negotiator, Mr Jamsheed Marker, today.