GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nov 25 (Reuters) -
C ongo's government will not negotiate with M23 rebels in the
east of the Central African country until the rebels pull out of
the city of Goma, a government spokesman said on Sunday.
Lambert Mende said President Joseph Kabila had met M23
representatives in Uganda for the first time on Saturday and had
reiterated his readiness to consider their demands.
"Negotiations will start after the (M23) withdrawal from
Goma. Even if we want to negotiate, this can't be before 48
hours," Mende said, referring to a deadline given to the rebels
on Saturday. Regional leaders on Saturday called on the rebels
to pull out of Goma.