Congo rebels and government will hold peace talks

Rebels in Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to discuss peace with the government, the AFP reported. The negotiations will begin "in the next few days in Kampala," Interior Minister Richard Muyej Mangez said.

The planned peace talks come after hundreds of rebel fighters pulled out of Congo's city of Goma on Saturday. The withdrawal encouraged hopes that peace negotiations would come soon. "We are leaving for peace," rebel chief Sultani Makenga told Reuters. 

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Ugandan Defense Minister Crispus Kiyonga said that he is mediating discussions between Congolese officials and M23, the rebel group, the Associated Press reported.