Talks in Gabon focus on C.A.R. conflict

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LIBREVILLE, Gabon, Jan. 3 (UPI) -- Envoys from central Africa, the United States and Japan met in Gabon Thursday seeking an end to the unrest in the Central African Republic, officials said.

The discussions came a day after the United Nations urged officials with the government and rebel leaders to end their conflict and begin peace talks, CNN reported.

The Economic Community of Central African States is taking a lead role in the talks between the warring parties.

Nassour Guelendouksia Ouaido, secretary general of ECCAS, met separately Thursday with representatives from the United States and Japan, a spokesman for the organization said.

ECCAS is also trying to organize a meeting next week in Gabon between CAR President Francois Bozize and the rebels, said Josue Binoua, CAR's minister for territorial administration and decentralization.

Rebels this week stopped their advance toward the capital, Bangui, after staging a series of attacks last month.