The South African government has denied allegations in Zimbabwe that it favours the rebels fighting against the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A statement issued to the government-controlled Herald newspaper in Zimbabwe said South Africa believed peace could only be achieved by getting all sides totalk.

It also denied accusations in the newspaper that it had tried to stall talks.

Meanwhile, one of the rebel leaders, Ernest Wamba dia Wamba, has told the BBC that internal misunderstandings have been ironed out and the existing leadership will remain in place.

Serious splits are reported to have emerged recently over policy and personalities.

Professor Wamba also denied the rebels had lost the Congolese towns of Moba and Fizi.