He arranged for them to meet with commanders of the rebel front.

United Nations officials in Kigali said they thought the rebel front would probably declare a cease-fire before the weekend.

But one diplomat said today that the rebel front had prevailed in its opposition to any exceptions.

They appeared to be speaking for the entire rebel front.

The Eritrean rebel front has been fighting for nearly three decades to gain independence for its northern province.

Under the agreement, the rebel front will demobilize in five stages, completing the process on Oct. 31.

In fact, however, the rebel front managed to capture the religious center and hold it without the feared massacre occurring.

Colnel Carrillo said the rebel front was probably behind the attack.

Commanders of the rebel front did not respond to three telephone messages left at their offices in Mexico City.

In an official communique Tuesday, the rebel military front said it was willing to meet with the Government to discuss a peace accord.