France, June 27 -- The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda plan to sign a landmark truce agreement in Washington on Friday, marking a potential turning point after decades of conflict in eastern Congo. The US-brokered deal aims to halt hostilities and pave the way for deeper economic cooperation between the two neighbours.

Sources close to the talks said the agreement, due to be signed by the Rwandan and Congolese foreign ministers, covers the two main pillars of security and economic cooperation.

This is the most ambitious plan yet to end anongoing crisis that has killed millions and forced many more from their homes.

At the heart of the deal lies a pledge by Kinshasa and Kigali to cease all hostilities - direct or indirect ...