Clarification of news report issued by Settlement Master Dean Ronald J. Riccio

"I have read some newspaper accounts of comments made by me at a press conference held on August 31. It is inaccurate to say that a deal on land or any other issue has been agreed upon. There is a consensus that if the negotiations are successful, no one will involuntarily lose his property or pay rent. There has been no final agreement on any issue. I am encouraged by the progress, which has been made in attempting to reach consensus on the remaining issues. However, no issue has been finally resolved, and there can be no settlement unless all of the parties and the court approve all issues under consideration."

"My message is that although much work remains to be done, I am pleased with the effort and progress made by the parties to date."