He said the Sandinistas must find a formula to discuss cease-fire arrangements with the contras.

Iraq has had 11 years to comply with cease-fire arrangements on weapons of mass destruction.

There are no Iraqi troops in that area now under the temporary cease-fire arrangements.

Mr. Ortega said talks with the contras would be held through an intermediary, and emphasized they will concern cease-fire arrangements only.

In 1992, the government negotiated a cease-fire arrangement with Russian and Transnistrian officials (although tensions continue) and negotiations are ongoing.

But he said the negotiations would only cover cease-fire arrangements, not political matters.

Nevertheless, the country has been relatively calm under cease-fire arrangements enforced in large part by the presence in Lebanon of 25,000 Syrian troops.

The cease-fire arrangement with the Serbs, however, unintentionally has forced the peacekeepers to worry about just that.

A few concluded their own cease-fire arrangements with the Government.

The cease-fire arrangement allows the group to keep its weapons as long as it does not threaten American forces and stays in specially designated areas.