A Belgium-based spokesman for rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo says that two envoys from President Kabila have held talks in Brussels with rebel representatives.

The spokesman, Willy Mishiki, didn't say when the meeting took place, or name the envoys -- though he said both were cabinet ministers.

He said the rebels had agreed to observe a four-day ceasefire, starting today, to allow President Kabila to publicly announce that he's willing to negotiate directly with the rebels.

But there's no confirmation of any agreement from rebel forces in Congo itself.

They say they've been fighting to repulse a major ground and air offensive by Zimbabwean troops against the south eastern town of Kabalo.