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Both of our countries look to considerable gains from an eventual agreement, and we will continue to work with that objective in mind

“There are obviously, always in negotiations, some areas that are more difficult than others, but both of our countries look to considerable gains from an eventual agreement, and we will continue to work with that objective in mind,” Harper, when asked about the beef issue, told reporters in Paris during a joint news conference with Hollande.

“Canada is not establishing a deadline. I don’t think it’s in our interest to set a deadline,” added Harper, who took two questions from Canadian media. “We will keep negotiating until we get an [agreement] that we believe is in the best interests of all Canadians, and we’re not there yet and that’s why we continue to talk.”

The fight over beef access remains one of the final major sticking points in completing a trade deal that Harper had promised would be finalized by the end of 2012.

Hollande was also diplomatic in his response, saying it’s expected that two sides will lock horns on certain issues during free-trade negotiations. It’s more important to have the political will to resolve the problems that arise during the talks, he said, noting he hopes negotiations conclude in the coming months.

“In a negotiation it is well understandable that there are some hurdles at some points, that there are some difficulties. We know them in a number of fields,” Hollande said in French.

“What matters most is to have the willingness to conclude and to overcome what might be difficult at some point,” he added. “The Canadian prime minister is right not to set a deadline so that we can deal with the topics as they should be dealt with.”