Macedonian divide 'narrowing'

The envoys say a deal could be struck within days

By Nick Childs in Skopje

In Macedonia, international mediators say that they have made progress in their efforts to end a five-month rebellion by guerrillas from the minority ethnic Albanian population.

So far, there has been little outward sign of progress in these critical talks

Intensive talks have been under way following a Nato-brokered ceasefire which is now a week old.

So far, there has been little outward sign of progress in these critical talks despite intense international pressure.

One Western diplomatic source said there were concerns that the talks were stagnating.

But, after their latest meetings with Macedonian President Boris Trajkovski and political leaders from both sides of the ethnic divide, the envoys from the European Union and the United States issued a joint statement insisting the differences between the parties were narrowing.

Constitutional reform

They also said all the documents on possible constitutional reform were now on the table, and it was up to the leaders to engage intensively in negotiations.

If they did so, the statement said, a political solution was possible within the next few days. The implication is that if they do not, the situation could quickly deteriorate again.

The Macedonian army said a soldier was seriously wounded in new clashes which underline the fragile nature of the current truce.

If the ceasefire holds and there is significant progress on the political dialogue, that could clear the way for the deployment of a small, British-led Nato force to help disarm the Albanian rebels.