: On the morning of 30 October, Togos President Gnassingb Eyadma met with the delegations from the Ivory Coast's two sides separately, prior to reuniting them behind closed doors in an afternoon meeting. Being in the same room might be as close as the two sides get, for now.

Gbagbos marching orders to his delegates now in Togo's capital Lome were a repetition of his mantra since dissident soldiers began their mutiny almost six weeks ago: "We are ready to negotiate as soon as the assailants put down their arms. If that is done, we are ready to discuss anything". The rebels, rightfully fearing medieval-style retribution from loyalist forces if they lay down their weapons, want to negotiate an agreement first. They also want Gbagbo to step down. This is traditionally known as a "Mexican Standoff". Stay tuned. - Adam Geibel