Fighting Ceases: Secret Peace Talks Ended

Representatives from the Malatian military and rebel forces arriving for the peace talk venue in Equanter.

Fighting between Brikvanian government forces and rebels in Malatian Province has ceased since yesterday.

Both parties had been engaged in secret peace talks in De Quan, the capital city of Equanter, since 2 weeks ago.

The Kingdom of Equanter has agreed to host the peace talks at the request of the rebels and the Brikvanian government.

Details of the peace talks have just been released. Both the Brikvanian government and the rebels have agreed to hold a referendum on the status of the Malatian Province in 2 years time. Both parties also agreed to cease military actions with immediate effect.

The talks also concluded with an agreement for rebel forces to hold onto the territories they have gained. About 2/3 of Malatian Province is currently under the control of rebel forces.

The agreement with the rebels has been criticised by many Brikvanians. However, King Brik II said that the Brikvanian army was about to collapse, and therefore the agreement is the best outcome for the Kingdom for now.

"Our army does not have the ammunition to fight for another week. The rebels would have marched into Briktown if we did not sign the agreement", said Prince Aragon, the Minister for Defence.

Many Brikvanians were shocked at the collapsed of the Brikvanian Army. Some observers said that the poor performance of the Brikvanian Army was a result of incompetent defence officials and commanders.

"Most of their military commanders are related to the Royal Family and are incompetent", said Professor Johnny Walsh of Legonia Defence College.

"Six battalion commanders have never been to officer school, and were promoted to their posts by virtue of their links to the Royal Family", added Professor Walsh.

King Brik II has promised to revamp the Brikvanian Army. However with a limited budget, it will be a difficult task.