Know who influences decision-makers to unblock risk situations. --- In a local and unexpected high-pressure negotiation situation, such as blocking of personnel or denial of access, where time is running out and interlocutors do not budge on their positions, it is difficult to reach agreements based on mutual interest.

As an example and again in Lebanon, following repeated pressures by the mayor of the city of Khiam by Hezbollah (HZ) against UNIFIL staff, it was decided to resort to negotiation with the HZ member of parlamient (MP) in the AOR, to put an end to these incidents.

His ability to influence the mayor's decisions was important and tensioens decreased over time.

Source author: Virginia Maria Callau Vidal vircavidal@hotmail.com