Three Democratic Republic of Congo rebel groups are meeting ambassadors representing the United Nations Security Council to discuss how to end fighting.

The meeting is being hosted by Jean-Pierre Bemba, leader of the largest rebel group, the MLC, at his headquarters in the town of Gbadolite, in the far north of Congo.

The three rebel groups, the MLC, RCD-Nationale and RCD-ML, have been fighting for control of an area round the north-eastern town of Beni.

The groups are now considering a proposal to end hostilities and withdraw to positions they held before signing ceasefire agreements.

A spokeswoman for the United Nations said the three rebel groups first met alone, before being joined by the ambassadors representing the UN security council, as well as Belgium and South Africa.

While the talks were taking place, aid agencies say the numbers fleeing their homes in north-eastern Congo is increasing.

The medical charity, MSF, says people have fled from villages north of the town of Beni, to the town of Mangina.

Mangina, which usually has a population of about 15,000, has taken in a further 40,000 people, who have fled from the fighting.

MSF reports that food is short in the town and the hospital is being overwhelmed by the number of casualties that are being treated.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service