Chris Simpson in Kigali: "Rebels say they have inflicted heavy casualties at Kabalo"

Willy Mishiki told the BBC the ceasefire followed talks in Brussels between two unnamed envoys from President Kabila and rebel representatives.

No confirmation of a ceasefire has come from the Congo. Rebels have been attempting to repulse a major ground and air offensive by Congolese-government allies Zimbabwe, near the south-eastern town of Kabalo.

The meeting is the first time that either side has publicly acknowledged meeting the other and comes a week after Mr Kabila reaffirmed his determination not to negotiate with rebels, describing them as tools of Uganda and Rwanda.

Mr Mishiki said that if President Kabila did not respond by Monday night rebel forces would march towards the town of Lubumbashi.

Preparations: No sign to end of fighting

Speaking at the end of a four-hour visit to Namibia, Mr Kabila said he hoped peace would come by Christmas.

Mr Kabila met President Sam Nujoma as part of consultations with allies, ahead of planned regional peace talks in Zambia.

He demanded that Rwanda and Uganda withdraw troops from the Congo before any meaningful peace talks could be held.

"We are ready for (a summit)," said Mr Kabila. "The conditions for a cease-fire are tough."

Mr Kabila will also visit other nations involved in the conflict in coming days, agencies reported.