Still, the chance for a contract agreement is limited by the bankruptcy time frame, by the gap between the parties and, if there were to be an agreement, by a perception among some pilots that rejecting a tentative agreement could augment the possibility of a merger with US Airways.

FORBES: Prospects Seem Dim as AMR and Pilots Seek Contract

For New Zealand, "There is no time frame for concluding an agreement, " Mr. Key's spokeswoman said.

WSJ: New Zealand, China in Talks on Convertibility of Currencies

The French and German governments said they wanted "full implementation" of the agreement "in the quickest time-frame".

BBC: Greek cabinet backs George Papandreou's referendum plan

If an agreement is not reached in that time frame, government officials can unilaterally impose those changes.

FORBES: Out of Left Field: Massachusetts House Votes to End Collective Bargaining for Public Workers

They must get rid of remaining protectionism, within a reasonable time frame, and discuss a broader agreement facilitating investment everywhere.

FORBES: Commentary: On Events at Home and Abroad

We are pursuing both within the same time frame, and we believe both -- well, one will definitely, has to, must happen -- raising the debt ceiling -- and we are confident that an agreement can be reached on deficit reduction within the same time frame.

WHITEHOUSE: Press Briefing

Negotiating an effective and fair climate agreement offers countries a needed opportunity to practice peace and re-frame international relations along cooperative rather than competitive lines.

UNESCO: Climate change