The meeting in Rwakitura, in south-west Uganda, was also attended by the South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Zuma. She is expected to go on to meet rebels in Goma and later in Kisangani.

The talks in Uganda, were expected to focus on persuading rebel factions to sign a deal with the government and discuss a ceasefire agreement between Ugandan and Rwandan troops following recent fighting in the Congolese city of Kisangani caused by splits in the rebel movement.

Human rights groups say they have had reports that dozens of civilian have been killed in the clashes and hundreds forced to flee their homes.

The city is the centre of the Congo's lucrative diamond trade.

Rebels split

Rwanda and Uganda have both sent thousands of troops to support the rebellion against President Laurent Kabila.

But they disagree on which of two rebel factions - one backed by Uganda, the other by Rwanda - should sign on behalf of the main rebel group, the Congolese Rally for Democracy (RCD).

(Click here to see a map of the region)

The rebel Congolese Rally for Democracy is trying to oust President Kabila

The dispute has yet to be resolved and has delayed the full implementation of a ceasefire agreement reached in Lusaka to end the year-long war.

Last week, leaders of the Southern African Development Community agreed proposals to allow both rebel factions to sign the Lusaka deal and hold leadership elections.

The other rebel group, the Congo Liberation Movement, backed by Uganda, has signed the peace accord, as have Zimbabwe, Namibia and Angola who have sent forces in support of President Kabila.

Some reports say the two rival rebel leaders may sign a peace agreement in Lusaka later today.

RCD leader Ernest Wamba dia Wamba says rivals are trying to kill him

Uganda's New Vision says that Ernest Wamba dia Wamba, head of the rebel faction backed by Kampala and based in Kisangani, has arrived in Lusaka and will meet South Africa's foreign minister.

On Sunday, he told the Reuters news agency that all the founding members of the RCD, including leaders from both sides of the current dispute, would be allowed to sign the deal.

However he accused the rival Rwandan faction led by Dr Emile Ilunga of trying to kill him and senior colleagues.

"They are searching for the cadres of our movement and they have a list of 20 names to be arrested and killed. Of course, my name is at the top of the list," Mr Wamba said.