Nairobi/Djibouti, June 10, SPA -- The Somali government and opposition figures have signed an eleventh-hour peace deal aimed at ending 17 years of conflict, but insurgents are not included in the agreement, DPA reported. The United Nations envoy to Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, who called off the talks in neighboring Djibouti on Sunday after the opposing factions refused to meet, told the BBC that a deal had been agreed late on Monday night. "It took eight days to attend workshops, to live in the samehotel, but avoiding each other. Finally they met ... confidenceresumed slowly, and we have to support and nurture that renewedconfidence," he said. The government and the Alliance for the Re-Liberation of Somalia agreed on a three-month ceasefire at the end of which Ethiopian troops would leave Somalia. On its part, the African Union (AU) hailed the deal as a"significant step" forward. "The AU Commission hails the ... spirit of compromise demonstrated by the two parties, and strongly urges all other relevant Somali actors to ... commit themselves to the peaceful and negotiated settlement of the conflict in their country," the AU said instatement. The AU also said it would continue to support stabilizing Somalia and called on the international community to increase its efforts.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/563936