Rival Afghan factions 'to disarm'

The Deputy Defence Minister of Afghanistan, Abdul Rashid Dostum, says rival factions in the northern town of Tashkurgan have agreed to disarm, following several days of clashes.

He said a delegation from the provincial capital, Mazar-i-Sharif, led by Mohammed Atta and General Ruzi, had negotiated the end to the fighting.

It comes as plans are being finalised in Mazar-i-Sharif for all armed men to leave the city, clearing the way for a United Nations-backed police force to take control.

The agreement follows clashes early this month between forces loyal to General Dostum, Mohammed Atta and Mohammed Mohaqiq.

General Dostum also said the political leadership in Mazar-i-Sharif welcomed the idea of having international peacekeepers in the city, if it is decided to expand the multinational security force outside Kabul.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service