Some have been successful, some not, and overall the situation is not successfully resolved as yet. .
According to Gewurz, pre-negotiation plays a central role in helping the parties understand the needs, interest and expectations of each other to reach the negotiation table. Pre-negotiation involves a proactive mediator who helps to keep the conflicting parties and negotiation process on track. It also helps to set the main agenda of the formal negotiations by removing sensitive issues that may prevent resolution of elements of the dispute. The beginning of the Oslo process is considered pre-negotiation. Oslo started in 1993; it involved secret peace discussions between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in Norway. .
Israeli government and the Palestinian leadership expressed interest in secret talks during the multilateral talks on economics, a continuation of the Madrid conference in 1991 held in London. This led to further meetings in Norway. Pre-negotiation illustrated the transition from conflict to peace negotiations. During the talks, the parties narrowed down their differences and established a common political ground. Their goal was to draw up a 'Declaration of Principles' also referred to as the Sarpsborb III, which set out a number of concessions. For example, both parties agreed to come to terms with each other's existence. Israel recognized the PLO as a legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The PLO recognized the right of the state of Israel to exist and renounced the use of terrorism. The parties' committed to a peaceful process and accepted each other as negotiating partners.
Secrecy is observed in many areas of diplomacy. It is crucial in pre-negotiations as seen at the Oslo talks whereby the Israeli and Palestinian representatives valued it. Both parties were able to discuss without the interference of the media. The Sarpsborb III was produced on FAFOi stationery so it could be seen as an academic draft in case it came into the open.