In the negotiations the Government insisted on an interim regime hemmed in by blocking devices.

If there was no agreement on that basis, the interim regime - the status quo - could go on forever.

They suggested that this would prevent diplomatic recognition of the interim regime.

Almost as bad would be a diplomatic solution that gives the Khmer Rouge a full share of power in an interim regime.

Word is out that he sees himself as prime minister of an interim regime.

The interim regime will continue until the new one is in place.

That plan is silent on the critical point of who should run an interim regime.

Under an all-party interim regime, Afghans could settle their own affairs.

Sawyer's interim regime - which had invited the participation of his opponents - was not itself party to the Banjul agreement.

So all parties are moving toward an accord establishing an interim regime, with some kind of international body to monitor withdrawal and transition.