Nigerian rebels want peace talks before ceasefire

ABUJA, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Nigeria's main militant group said on Wednesday it would consider re-instating a ceasefire in the oil-producing Niger Delta if the government was willing to begin "serious and sincere" peace talks. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) lifted a three-month old ceasefire last week, threatening to resume its campaign of violence which has kept the OPEC member from pumping above two thirds of its capacity for years.

"MEND will consider the (ceasefire) option after we are convinced the government is serious and sincere about engaging our ... team of negotiators in constructive dialogue on the root issues that has led to years of agitations and armed rebellion," said the group's spokesman in an e-mailed statement to Reuters. (Reporting by Randy Fabi)