KISMAYU, Somalia. Aug 7: Elders from 20 rival clans signed a UN- brokered peace accord Friday aimed at ending two years of fighting tn this southern port city, reports AP.

Klsmayu. a city of about 400.000. saw some of the most bitter fighting following the ouster of military dictator Mohamed Siad Barre tn late 1991. Bloody clan fighting continued through the next two years of civil war and famine

The settlement resulted from a 6-week-long ceasefire and peace conference of about 200 elders and community leaders It was the largest of several re glonal peace Initiatives begun since UN forces tn May replaced an American-led coalition pro tecting aid to starving Somalia

The agreement, however, was not signed by political foe

non leaders or two major oppos Ing warlords banished from the city by Belgian troops.

'Klsmayu was known as a place of battle. Now It is a place of peace." Jonathan Howe, the UN special envoy In Somalia, told clapping clansmen bedecked in flowing robes.

The ceremony was given a high profile by UN officials disappointed by a lack of progress towards settlements elsewhere.

Rival Klsmayu warlords Col Ahmed Omar Jess and Gen. Mohamed Said Herat Morgan fled to the hinterland after Belgian UN troops secured the city. They were barred from the talks at the request of elders seeking a ceasefire, disarma ment of gunmen and restoration of trade and property rights. UN officials said.