Congo militia's ceasefire terms

Heavy fighting shook Brazzaville, capital of Congo, for a fourth day yesterday, but a militia fighting troops loyal to President Pascal Lissouba set preconditions for talks.

Western military sources said armed followers of the former president, Denis Sassou Nguesso, had occupied most of the city centre and surrounded the Prime Minister's office and treasury. The Congo presidency set up a mediation committee, but Ambrose Noumazalay, a spokesman for Mr Sassou Nguesso, said his followers insisted Mr Lissouba should admit to being the aggressor before they would agree to talks. Reuters - Brazzaville