LAGOS (Reuters) - Niger Delta rebels said on Tuesday that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter had agreed to act as a mediator if invited by Nigeria's government, and the group promised to declare a ceasefire if talks went ahead.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND)said in a statement that Carter, who visited Nigeria just overa month ago, had accepted to mediate in the conflict "on thecondition that the Nigerian government and any other relevantstake holder invites him."
"We are ready to call off all hostilities and hold atemporary ceasefire in honour of President Carter should theNigerian government accept President Carter's initiative," MENDsaid in an emailed statement.
"However, if as expected, the government fails to seize onthis new opportunity for peace, our actions will continue tospeak volumes beyond the Nigerian shores."
On Tuesday, oil hit a new record high of $122 a barrel,lifted by fears of new militant attacks in Nigeria, supplyconcerns in Iran and a forecast from Goldman Sachs statingprices could hit $200 a barrel because of lagging supplygrowth.
It was not immediately possibly to confirm the offer withthe Carter Centre.
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(Reporting by Daniel Flynn; editing by Keith Weir)
