Kinshasa, Rabi'I 24, 1438, Dec 23, 2016, SPA -- Negotiators expressed optimism today that an agreement can be reached to end Congo's bloody political impasse, as the United Nations announced the death toll from this week's violence was at least 40. According to a working document from the talks, elections would be held in 2017 instead of 2018, and President Joseph Kabila could not seek a third term. However, any deal must be officially endorsed by all parties. Mediators want a deal before Christmas. -- SPA 17:20 LOCAL TIME 14:20 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w297185