KHARTOUM, Sudan

Sudan's ruling military council has freed 235 prisoners of war on Thursday in order to pave the way for peace talks with rebels. 

The released prisoners belong to the faction of the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Minni Minawi (SLM-MM) which has been fighting the government in Sudan's western region of Darfur since 2003.

Addressing a ceremony at Al-Huda prison in the capital Khartoum, Gamal Omer, head of the Transitional Military Council, said the release is a step toward confidence building with the rebels in order to begin peace talks and put an end to the lingering conflict.

TMC had earlier pledged to release all the prisoners of war from different rebel movements to encourage the peace process.