She said the cease-fire was "entirely an African initiative," but another Administration official said Washington had encouraged the African diplomacy.

Coalition of Longtime Foes The African initiative is largely aimed at bringing the two sides together in some form of coalition government.

"This was largely an African initiative."

The East African initiative greatly improves the chances of that happening.

Regional Fears The reasons for the West African initiative are strategic, psychological and humanitarian.

An appeal has been launched so that more funds can be authorised for initiatives taken by developing countries, in particular the new African initiative.

The Council is looking forward to seeing the first results of these African initiatives; if appropriate it will review its position accordingly.

Liberians said that leaders of the West African initiative have effectively given up efforts for now to reach a peaceful settlement with Mr. Taylor.

Several diplomats and other specialists here pointed with hope to a new African initiative to bring the two sides in Angola together.

This is a great example of the African initiative taken by peasant producers to adapt to a cash economy.