PESHAWAR, September 17, SPA -- Pakistan's army has agreed to a cease-fire with militants holding some 260 soldiers hostagenear the Afghan border, officials said Monday. The soldiers were seized Aug. 30 in South Waziristan, atribal region where pro-Taliban militants hold sway. Fighting between the militants and security forces therehas since left scores of people dead. Tribal leaders acting as mediators have managed toestablish the cease-fire, said Arbab Arif Khan, thegovernment official responsible for security in Pakistan'stroubled tribal belt. «They are now in session with the militants to secure therelease of the hostages,» Khan said. «We don't yet knowwhat the terms would be.» Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Waheed Arshad confirmed theagreement to stop the fighting. Representatives of themilitants could not immediately be reached for comment, the Associated Press reported.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/483385