Papua New Guinea talks break down

Talks between the government of Papua New Guinea and secessionist rebels have ended without an agreement on disarmament.

The talks in Australia had been intended to pave the way for the formation of an autonomous government on the island of Bougainville.

But an Australian government spokesman said significant challenges remained.

The talks will resume next month. Thousands of weapons -- from home-made guns to modern small arms -- are thought to be hidden around Bougainville, which fought a ten-year secessionist war.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service