The World - News from Feb. 8, 1989

As “round-table” talks in Poland entered a second day, Solidarity leader Lech Walesa told supporters that although he would eventually like to see open parliamentary elections, his priority is the restoration of the union’s legal status. At the formal talks with 57 participants, including a 25-member opposition group led by Walesa, authorities offered Solidarity legalization if the union endorses a package of economic and political reforms. Three working groups dealing with that proposal are to begin meeting this week. Meanwhile, government spokesman Jerzy Urban played down overly optimistic expectations for the talks. “It is an event of significance . . . but one should not imagine that . . . it is some magic wand.”