Experience has shown that it is of little use to involve them only at the final stages where there is very little room for compromise.

The Iranians indicated that while they would not be willing to give up their right to enrichment in principle, they were willing to consider the compromise solution.

The leading opposition group, al Wifaq, has 18 seats in the 40 member parliament. In talks with the opposition, the monarchy will find seasoned politicians ready to bargain over long held demands. And, with widespread support among its constituents, al Wifaq can do much to reduce tensions.