DUARTE OFFERS SALVADOR CEASE-FIRE

February 28, 1989

President Jos'e Napole'on Duarte has proposed that the government and the rebel Farabundo Marti Liberation Front (FMLN) ``unilaterally cease hostilities between Feb. 28 and June 1'' and that the two sides begin peace talks today in Guatemala. He said Sunday he would let the voters decide whether to accept the guerrillas' proposal to postpone elections if the two sides cannot agree on a new election date. The FMLN offered on Jan. 24 to take part in elections -- and recognize the results -- if they are postponed from March 19 until September and if other electoral changes are made to guarantee a fair vote.

President Duarte said he would propose that the presidential balloting be postponed until April 30. He did not specify when the proposed plebiscite on voters' views of a delayed vote would take place.