The Sudanese government and a small rebel faction from Sudan's conflict ridden western region of Darfur have met in eastern Chad to review a four-month old ceasefire deal.

In December, the Sudanese government signed a ceasefire deal with the National Movement for Reform and Development, a dissident faction of the second-largest rebel group in Darfur.

Under the deal, both sides agreed to release prisoners of war and civilians detained in the course of the conflict that began in February 2003.

They also promised to let aid groups deliver relief to thousands of people affected by violence in parts of the western region.

Chad is mediating the review meeting that began on Monday and is taking place in the eastern town of Abeche near the Chad-Sudan border, said Chadian Security Minister Abderahmane Moussa.

He did not say how long the meeting will last.

The National Movement for Reform and Development broke away last year from the Justice and Equality Movement, reportedly accusing the latter of being more concerned with its political agenda than with the conditions in Darfur, Sudanese officials say.

Darfur's conflict has killed about 180,000 people, mainly from war-induced hunger and disease, according to UN estimates.

PHOTO CAPTION

A sign denoting the presence of landmines. (AFP)