Algerian peace talks continue

Algiers - Algerian army officers held a second day of talks yesterday with leaders of a moderate Muslim group to clear a deadlock…

Algiers - Algerian army officers held a second day of talks yesterday with leaders of a moderate Muslim group to clear a deadlock in a peace accord just eight days before the expiry of an amnesty, security officials said.

The banned Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) said on Monday it had ordered a halt to the surrender of hundreds of its fighters after accusing the army-led authorities of reneging on a deal signed by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika designed to end eight years of horrific civil strife. "The talks began on Tuesday and are continuing today. We don't know when they'll end," a senior security official said.