The rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have said they'll continue fighting the government unless they are allowed to participate in peace talks.

One of the rebel leaders, Bizima Karaha, told French radio there would never be a ceasefire unless the rebels were invited to negotiate.

Asked if the rebels would support an African peacekeeping force for the war zone, Mr Karaha said it would depend on negotiations, but the rebels would never allow a force to be deployed behind their lines.

The latest round of peace talks, planned in Zambia yesterday, were cancelled without reason at short notice.