Nearly 600 Malian rebels disarm

Nearly 600 rebels laid down their weapons in northern Mali on Tuesday, state radio reported, in the latest sign that military pressure and Algerian mediation may be helping end a rebellion led by Tuareg nomads. Algeria has brokered several agreements between Mali's government and the rebels, who are calling for greater autonomy and development in the north, but the latest progress follows a military offensive launched last month against rebel bases.
"In returning to legality, the (rebels) have also returned to the armed forces a stock of arms and ammunition and two vehicles belonging to the army," Malian state radio reported. "The equipment was symbolically handed to the Algerian mediator, who then handed it on to the Minister for Territorial Administration and local officials, who were very happy," the report added, saying 500 fighters and 78 officers took part.