The joint statement issued today notes that the two sides will soon begin "intensive consultations."

The first step in the process calls for both sides to begin consultations.

One of the first actions of the new department was to begin consultations about local government reorganisation.

But we are beginning very serious consultations on this.

While he was there, he and his Japanese counterpart agreed to begin holding formal consultations every six months.

If the number is under 100, but over 20, then the employer must begin consultations 30 days before.

The President said he wanted to begin "very serious consultations" on Middle Eastern problems.

Shell begins formal consultations with conservation bodies and fishing interests.

"We don't need to resort to any extreme action," Law said, adding that it's still not too late to begin consultations next year.

He also said that he had begun consultations on the creation of a national unity government.