The envoy was due here over the weekend in another bid to get the stalled talks going again and his arrival has coincided with signs from both political parties that the dialogue could soon be resumed.

Mr. Corbin has agreed to President Jagdeo's invitation to meet and their appointed representatives have been working on an agenda for that meeting.

Mr. Corbin last week also wrote Mr. Ralph Ramkarran, Speaker of the National Assembly, asking for a sitting on Wednesday to discuss a motion he has put up for debate.

The governing People's Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) has welcomed this move, indicating that Parliament is the forum for issues of national concern to be raised and discussed.

These combined developments have led to a much improved atmosphere in which to get the political dialogue going than when Sir Paul was here on two visits last year.

A Commonwealth Secretariat release last year noted that Secretary General McKinnon was in Guyana in early July and met President Jagdeo and the late PNC/R and Opposition Leader, Mr. Desmond Hoyte.

He had remained in touch with them and had followed developments in the country and both had welcomed Sir Paul's appointment, the release said.

The release reported Mr. McKinnon as saying, "I continue to be concerned over the situation in Guyana and Commonwealth good offices have always been on offer.

"I am pleased that Sir Paul will be able to apply his considerable experience to help restore political dialogue and promote national reconciliation in Guyana."

It is a credit to the Commonwealth Secretary General that although not much was achieved during Sir Paul's visits last year, the mission was not abandoned and we understand a lot of work has been conducted quietly behind the scenes.

His return here coincides with higher hopes for forward movement and it is our sincere wish that the envoy would enjoy better success this time in carrying out his mandate.

Sir Paul is also likely to meet representatives of the Social Partners group and members of the international community here "who are interested in and supportive of his mission", a Commonwealth official has said.

President Jagdeo and Mr. Hoyte had started talks in April 2001, but the PNC/R suspended the dialogue in March, 2002 over differences on implementation of agreements reached.

The Government has said progress has been made in implementing agreements and civil society, including religious and business groups, and western embassies based here have called for resumption of the dialogue.

The vast majority of Guyanese feel a resumption of the talks at the highest political level would help in the national reconciliation process and they would welcome every effort at getting the discussions going again.