held north and a government-controlled south. The accord signed in South Africa in April has raised hopes of a breakthrough in a conflict that has ebbed and flowed, killed thousands and threatened turmoil in a volatile region. Both sides have already begun to withdraw heavy weapons from front lines, policed by 10,000 French and U.N. troops. But weapons have been pulled back before and previous disarmament deals have stalled without any arms being actually handed over. The statement signed on Saturday said the next few weeks before the planned start date would be used to set up disarmament sites and identify the fighters to be disarmed. They include shadowy pro-government militiamen. --more 2327 Local Time 2027 GMT
