The 12-member delegation is expected to arrive in Libreville to discuss the conflict with the government led by President Francois Bozize.

 

　　The talks come as hundreds of protesters gathered in capital Bangui to demand peace.

 

　　Prime Minister Faustin-Archange Touadera thanked the crowd for their support and said he and the government were working toward peace.

 

　　"I would like to tell you that the president of the republic and the government are preparing for dialogue in Libreville because we want peace in our country. We want Central African Republic to be united behind its leaders."

 

　　Rebels are calling for President Francois Bozize to step down and have seized a dozen towns in a month, but they halted their advance on Bangui late last month pending negotiations.

 

　　Bozize insists he will not leave office before his term ends in 2016, but says he is open to negotiations with the armed groups who have formed an alliance known as Seleka.

 

　　Bozize has offered to form a government of national unity, but the rebels have questioned his sincerity and are demanding that he relinquish power.

 

　　They also want the government to respect previous peace accords providing for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former rebels into society.