Macedonian ceasefire called

The Macedonian Government has announced a nationwide ceasefire with ethnic Albanian rebels.

The Nato-brokered ceasefire clears the way for Nato troops to disarm the rebels.

It comes a day after President Boris Trajkovski announced progress in political dialogue.

A British battle group of 1,000 soldiers is to be sent into Macedonia once the ceasefire is confirmed.

It takes effect just after midnight tonight, says Defence Minister Vlado Buckovski.

The Government has reported heavy fighting overnight around Kumanovo, about 15 miles northeast of the capital, Skopje, one of the conflict's hot spots.

No injuries were reported in the attack from the rebel-held areas around Slupcane.