'Govt pact unlikely before Monday'

Britain's opposition Conservatives and Liberal Democrats will hold more talks on Sunday on a pact after Thursday's indecisive election, but they are unlikely to reach a deal before Monday, the Conservatives said on Saturday.

Britain's opposition Conservatives and Liberal Democrats will hold more talks on Sunday on a pact after Thursday's indecisive election, but they are unlikely to reach a deal before Monday, the Conservatives said on Saturday.

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The Conservatives won most parliamentary seats in the election but fell short of a majority and are seeking the support of the smaller Lib Dems to end 13 years of Labour rule.

The talks, starting at 11 am (1000 GMT), will be face-to-face between the two parties but below the level of leader, a Conservative Party spokesman said.

He said it was unlikely a deal could be reached by Monday, noting that Conservative members of parliament, who will be briefed on the negotiations, will not meet until Monday evening.