In what's been seen as a significant step towards peace in Darfur,
the Sudanese government has signed
a temporary ceasefire agreement with JAM,
one of the main rebel factions.
The other main rebel group has so far refused talks
with the government.
James Copnall reports from Khartoum.
The deal is believed to include a temporary ceasefire
and a framework agreement for future talks.
The Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir said
the death sentence against the JAM fighters
convicted of attacking Omdurman had been quashed,
and 30% of them had been released as a goodwill measure.
His act details of the agreement are not yet clear,
but the fact has just been signed
is a significant step forward
in the peace process in Darfur.
United Nations estimates
that 300,000 people have died in Darfur,
but the Sudanese government puts the figure at 10,000.