African nations agree elephant deal at UN talks

THE HAGUE, June 14 (Reuters) African nations agreed a deal today to extend a 1989 ivory export ban for nine years to safeguard elephants after one-off sales from stockpiles by southern African states, delegates said.

The accord, reached overnight at UN wildlife talks, was a compromise between countries led by Kenya and Mali who wanted a total ban, and Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa who favoured limited sales.

Julius Kipng'etich, head of the Kenya Wildlife Service who led the Kenyan talks, said the deal was a ''proud moment for the continent'' after days of wrangling.

REUTERS SG DS1150