Which one of the following best describes the function of the first paragraph in the context of the passage as a whole? A. It summarizes the basis of a conflict underlying negotiations described elsewhere in the passage. B. It presents two positions, one of which is defended by evidence provided in succeeding paragraphs. C. It compares competing interpretations of a historical conflict. D. It analyzes the causes of a specific historical event and predicts a future development. E. It outlines the history of a government agency.