The President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, has started talks with the presidents of Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania in a fresh effort to end the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A foreign affairs spokesperson says the talks are being held at Mbeki's official residence in Pretoria.

Rwanda and Uganda back rebels who want the ouster of Congolese President Laurent Kabila.

Last month they signed a ceasefire with the four other countries involved in the conflict - Congo, Zimbabwe, Angola and Namibia.

Despite the refusal by some rebel groups to sign the peace accord, South African government officials remain optimistic about bringing peace to Congo.