ABUJA, Nigeria, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- A major rebel group in Nigeria said its emissaries have begun negotiations with Nigerian government officials.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta said in an e-mail its emissaries met Saturday with President Umaru Yar'Adua and other government officials, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.
"This meeting heralds the beginning of serious, meaningful dialogue between MEND and the Nigerian government to deal with and resolve root issues that have long been swept under the carpet," the militant group said.
MEND troops have been blamed for a series of attacks on Niger Delta oil industry sites that resulted in the stoppage of daily production of 1 million barrels of oil.
The Wall Street Journal said the oil production stoppage prompted government officials to seek talks with the militant group, which wants producing states to receive more oil redistribution revenue.
