Fresh ceasefire agreed in Macedonia

The two sides in the Macedonian conflict have reached an agreement aimed at ending a spate of heavy fighting around the north-western city of Tetovo, according to diplomatic sources.

Ethnic Albanian rebels have agreed to pull back from territory they have taken around the town while government forces have agreed to exercise restraint, the reports say.

A BBC correspondent in the capital, Skopje, says the Nato-brokered agreement is a positive sign ahead of a visit to Macedonia by Nato Secretary-General, George Robertson, and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana on Thursday.

The rebel pull-out from around Tetovo and parts of a road leading to the town of Jazince is due to take place at 0400 GMT on Thursday.

A ceasefire was shattered on Sunday night by fighting in Tetevo which government officials said caused thousands of civilians to flee their homes.