Following daylong negotiations in Syracuse, with all parties present negotiations in the Oneida Indian Land Claim have ended. Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace said, "It is difficult to express the depth of our disappointment, that the thousands of hours of negotiations over the past 15 months appear to have been for naught. The County Legislators and Supervisors and the very dedicated staff have worked very closely with the court appointed Settlement Master, Governor Pataki and the State of New York in trying to fashion a resolution that would be acceptable to the people of Central New York. Unfortunately the issues that remain in dispute, as discussed in open court three weeks ago could not be resolved despite great efforts and willingness by the Counties to seek a settlement. We will take all necessary steps, through the court process to protect the interest of the people of Central New York."

Rocco DiVeronica, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors said, " We are extremely disappointed that a compromise could not be reached. We bargained in good faith and tried to do the best we could for Oneida and Madison Counties. Both the Judge and the attorneys for the federal government in the most recent court appearance in Florida praised the counties for their efforts, through their leadership, in attempting to reach a negotiated settlement."