The 19-page military annex to the agreement creates a buffer zone about 2.5 miles wide, mostly along the current cease-fire lines.

Even during the current cease-fire between contra guerrillas and Government forces, no craft may travel the river without a permit.

Mediators have been encouraged by the success of the current cease-fire, which took effect on Saturday.

A United Nations spokesman, Alexander Ivanko, said fuel shortages were making it difficult to monitor compliance with the current cease-fire.

Both sides have said they will continue to respect the current cease-fire after it expires next week.

Slovenian and Croatian leaders have urged the European Community to send observers to monitor the current cease-fire.

He says the I.R.A.'s current 19-month cease-fire is evidence that it supports the peace effort.

Almost daily, the current fragile cease-fire is tested by new violence.

In addition, they are discussing ways to deliver food, clothing and medicine to contra fighters during the current cease-fire.

Hamas is itself split over whether to continue the current cease-fire with Israel.