Algeria announces cease-fire accord between Mali government and Tuareg rebels

Algerian officials say the Malian government and rebel Tuaregs have agreed to a cease-fire in dangerous northern Mali. The accord was announced Monday after four days of talks in Algiers. But it remains to be seen whether the cease-fire will take hold. A peace agreement signed two years ago hasn't stopped the frequent attacks in northern Mali. Just last week, two police officers were wounded in an attack on a military base. Details weren't available but Algerian mediator Abdelkrim Ghrieb says the accord includes measures concerning prisoners and refugees. The rebels want more help for West African desert nation's minority... [read full story]