The accord was signed by President Vieira and the rebel leader, Ansumane Mane after three days of talks in the Nigerian capital, Abuja.

Under the deal

• a government of national unity will be formed, including representatives of the rebels
• all foreign troops will be withdrawn and replaced by a West African (ECOMOG) peacekeeping force.
• air and sea ports will be opened to allow in humanitarian relief
• presidential elections to be held by the end of March next year

Jobe - two sides forced to agree because of gravity of situation

The Gambian foreign minister, Sedat Jobe, who has been mediating between the two sides, told the BBC he was confident that the agreement would hold, despite the failure of previous cease-fire agreements.

The breakthrough came at negotiations at the mansion of Nigeria's military leader, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, after a two-day summit of African leaders in Abuja had failed to produce an accord.

There had been pessimism among some officials. One said it looked as if the Bissau issue would ultimately be decided "on the battlefield".

President accused of corruption

President Vieira agreed to fresh elections

The conflict in the former Portuguese colony began on 7 June when a breakaway faction of disgruntled military veterans seized the main army garrison and international airport in the capital, Bissau.

The rebels accused President Vieira of corruption and demanded that he step down.

Although neighbouring Senegal and Republic of Guinea sent troops to his aid, the insurgents have overrun most of the small country.