"The discussions seek to identify avenues for advancement of the identified humanitarian and protection of civilian measures through possible local ceasefires, as requested by the Security Council," a UN Spokesperson said in response to Reuters' questions, who said the talks were convened by UN Envoy for Sudan Ramtane Lamamra.

She said the talks were "proximity talks" which means the two parties, the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, are not due to meet and negotiate directly face-to-face but via mediators.

--Reuters--