Macedonian peace deal to be signed

Macedonia's minority ethnic Albanians and majority Slavs are expected to sign a peace accord later today aimed at ending a six-month insurgency in the north of the country.

The tentative peace deal was agreed last week, but its future has been thrown into doubt after clashes between government troops and the National Liberation Army continued unabated this weekend.

Once the agreement is signed, NATO plans to deploy 3,500 soldiers in the region to disarm the rebels.

The Macedonian Government has reinstated a ceasefire to pave the way for the signing ceremony today.