Business chiefs and ANC try to end impasse

Johannesburg (AP) - Nelson Mandela, the African National Congress president, met white business leaders yesterday to try to revive stalled political talks, but no progress was reported on ending the crisis. The talks were part of efforts by business leaders to bring political leaders together after negotiations on a new constitution collapsed last month. Both sides said they would continue contacts.

Talking to reporters afterwards, Mr Mandela said such meetings were useful: 'We have had very fruitful exchanges,' he said but criticised President F W de Klerk's government for not moving more quickly to establish a multiracial democracy.

Violence continued in black townships around Johannesburg, with police reporting nine deaths during the past 24 hours.