The government said that Darfar state rebels (Sudan Liberation Movement, or SLM) have agreed to a two to three week ceasefire. The government apparently sent a negotiating team to the town of Kornoy, which is held by the SLM. The SLM demanded recognition as a political party. The SLM also wants the  government to cease using Arab tribal militia forces against the SLM. The report was unclear on the governments decision vis a vis the granting of recognition as a political party, but if the government does agree to this condition, it will have to backtrack on its claims that the fighting in South, West, and North Darfur states is simply banditry. In other words, the government will have to admit there is a political component to the rebellion.