Hostages and prisoners released in Niger

The government of Niger has obtained the release of six hostages held by Tuareg rebels since last October and freed several prisoners connected with the insurgents.

Niger's defence minister, Yahaya Tunkara, told reporters that the releases were part of a new peace treaty signed with the alliance of four rebel groups last November.

It is the second time the government of Niger and the rebels have agreed conditions to end hostilities.

The last accord, signed in 1995, was broken last year when the Tuareg accused the government of failing to implement its terms.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service