A summit of West African heads of state is taking place in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, with a settlement of the conflict in Guinea-Bissau high on the agenda.

President Vieira of Guinea-Bissau and the rebel leader, Ansumane Mane, are expected at the summit later.

Announcing this, the Nigerian military leader, General Abdulsalami Abubakr, said the sides would conclude negotiations which began yesterday when the two men had their first direct talks.

The opening session was also addressed by President Mandela of South Africa.

He was reported to have praised the West African region's peacekeeping efforts and called for more cooperation between regional organisations in Africa.