AFRICAN nations reached a compromise deal on the ivory trade on Monday by agreeing to delay any ivory sales until an effective system is in place to prevent the widespread poaching of elephants. The agreement was reached shortly before a UN conference of 150 nations was to debate controversial proposals to reopen the trade in elephants’ ivory tusks. Under the compromise deal, four southern African nations withdrew their requests for approval to begin selling off their ivory stocks, but the possibility of future sales remains open. “It leaves the door open. There will be no ivory sales for the time being but the principle of possible sales in the future is accepted.” said Vitalis Chadenga of Zimbabwe’s department of national parks. The elephant debate had raised tensions at the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meeting in the Kenyan capital. But the amended proposals are expected to win widespread approval when the members states meet later on Monday.