A statement issued after NSCN (I-M) chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Home Minister Shivraj Patil, described the parleys as "cordial and optimistic" and said they would "strive for an honourable and mutually acceptable solution".

The outfit's "collective leadership" and the government "reaffirmed and reassured" each other of their commitment, the statement signed by V S Atem, emissary of the NSCN (I-M) leadership, said.

Atem, who represented the Naga leadership at the press conference, said, "Discussions on substantive issues had not started. Hence, news reports defining the parameters of dialogue are mere speculation."

During their stay in India, Swu and Muivah, who arrived in New Delhi from Amsterdam on Sunday night, will visit Nagaland and again return to Delhi for talks.

Source: Rediff