11.   Clan elders trying to win release of hostages.

12.   He said he had been in touch with Somali clan elders to prepare the meeting.

13.   His release was reportedly mediated by the clan elders in south Mogadishu, controlled by Hussein Aidid, son of late Somali faction leader Gen. Mohamed Farrah Aidid.

14.   In Mogadishu, all three Somali faction leaders as well as clan elders came to congratulate the group on the release.

15.   In the absence of central authority, clan elders have regained an increasingly influential role in the society, and must be consulted on all important issues.

16.   International and regional mediations have failed to reconcile various factions, but in recent months clan elders have been pressing for reconciliation.

17.   Mosques are mostly frequented by clan elders, and religion outwardly seems mild.

18.   Nur said the Ethiopian government had arrested hundreds of supporters of the liberation front, including clan elders and students.

19.   Somali clan elders sought Monday to win the release of eight Red Cross workers and two pilots held for six days by gunmen.

20.   Tembu clan elders Chief Dalagubha Joyi and T.M. Mbambisa met Thursday to discuss what role they could play with the Pondo clan to prevent a divorce.