Darfur rebel alliance makes peace

Khartoum, 18 March-(ANA)-Sudan has signed a ceasefire with a major Darfur rebel group, the second deal in recent weeks, leaving just one band of rebels in open conflict.

The Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) - a newly formed umbrella group of 10 movements - signed the framework deal paving the way for further talks.

Last month, a similar deal was closed with the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem), the biggest single rebel group.

In the past the existence of many small factions has hampered peace talks.

But now, the only major group still holding out against the government is a faction of the Sudan Liberation Army led by Abdul Wahid, who has refused to take part in peace talks.

"This is an important step which will give momentum to peace efforts in Darfur," said Sudanese Vice-President Ali Osman Taha, who was at the talks, according to AFP news agency.

"We reiterate the commitment of the government of Sudan to press ahead with talks following this framework agreement."

Since the conflict in Darfur began in 2003, some 2.7 million people have fled their homes and the UN says about 300,000 more have died.

The rebel movements have been fighting government soldiers and Arab militias who many people say are backed by the government.

Although preliminary peace deals have now been signed with almost all of the rebel movements, tensions between the rebel groups still remain.(ANA)

FA/ANA/18 March 2010-----