Ansar Dine later announced its withdrawal from talks, but this appeared to be no more than a negotiating tactic.

BBC: France: How was it dragged into the Malian conflict?

The symphony's musicians and management broke off talks more than a week ago with no plans to resume, Mr. Theil and Mr. Gaudry said.

WSJ: San Francisco Symphony Strike Drags On

Waterford Wedgwood has said it was in advanced talks with a potential investor but would give no more details.

BBC: MP hopeful about Wedgwood talks

Yesterday's late night talks lasted little more than an hour and showed no sign of finding that recipe.

BBC: EU budget: Wanted - a Goldilocks recipe?

Mr Talat has invested so much political capital in his settlement talks that, if he gets no deal, even more voters may turn against him.

ECONOMIST: Cyprus, Turkey and the European Union

Yet apart from continuing talks with analysts, the bank has no plans to disclose any more information.

ECONOMIST: Credit Suisse and Winterthur

Talks between the two sides collapsed on 7 December, with no more scheduled.

BBC: RELATED BBC SITES

The talks had stalled as euro-zone finance ministers this week pushed for a rate that is no more than 3.5%, while private lenders have said they won't accept less than 4%.

WSJ: European Stocks Close at Highest Since August