The M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have said that they will not disarm or demobilize as long as there is no direct political dialogue with the government in Kinshasa.
A rebel spokesman, Lawrence Kanyuka, issued the statement on Twitter after the Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi said there would be no political negotiations with the rebels.
Mr Tshisekedi said that under an agreement negotiated by regional states the M23 rebels are expected to demobilise before returning to civilian life.
Under the brokered peace deal, the group has been withdrawing from areas it had captured.
Over the last 18 months, around three quarters of a million people have been displaced by the fighting.
