Rebel snub threatens Darfur talks

Major Darfur rebel groups have decided not to take part in talks

UN-African Union talks aimed at ending the four-year war in Sudan's Darfur region are due to open in Libya, but have been hit by rebel pullouts.
Two of Darfur's main rebel groups have decided to boycott the talks in a row over invited factions, despite UN Security Council sanction threats.

The absence of key rebel groups could mean the talks may have to be delayed, says the BBC's Amber Henshaw in Darfur.

Some 200,000 people have died and about 2m have been displaced in the conflict.

The fighting began in 2003 when rebels attacked government targets.

Sudan's government then launched a military and police campaign in Darfur.

A 2006 Darfur peace deal faltered because it was signed by the Sudanese government and only one rebel group.

The latest talks will be hosted by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in the city of Sirte.