The Sudanese Government and the country's rebels have been urged to grasp the opportunity offered by a recent breakthrough in negotiations and end their 19-year conflict.

Millions of civilians have been displaced

The Islamic government, based in the north, and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army, which wants more autonomy for the south of the country, have found common ground on two key issues.

After five weeks of negotiations in the Kenyan town of Machakos, the two sides say they have reached a basic agreement that a referendum will be held in six years time in which secession will be offered to the south.

In the period before the referendum, Islamic law will not be imposed on the largely Christian and animist south.

But the BBC's David Bamford says there is no mention of an immediate ceasefire in the conflict, which has left some two million people dead and millions others displaced.

He adds that questions remain as to whether the government in Khartoum means what it says.

Ceasefire challenge

President Daniel arap Moi of Kenya, who has spent 10 years chairing talks between the two sides, called on both parties to build on the breakthrough, urging them to consider the human suffering, destruction of resources and loss of life that would result from a continuation of the conflict.

Both sides are reportedly under intense pressure from the United States to reach a deal, and have agreed to continue talks in August.

Government participants said any settlement could only be implemented after a ceasefire was agreed.

Rebel spokesman Samson Kwaje said there would only be a cessation of hostilities once all outstanding issues were agreed.

The British Government said it was encouraged by the negotiations.

"We warmly welcome the successful outcome of the first round of the Sudan peace talks," said British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw in a statement.

"Agreement on the two key issues of self-determination for the people of south Sudan, and state and religion, is a significant breakthrough."