Negotiators for north and south Sudan have reached a landmark agreement on the future on the disputed oil-rich region of Abyei. The accord reached less than three weeks before the south is to gain its independence, was signed yesterday in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, following days of tough negotiations led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. It calls for the complete demilitarization of the region and for the deployment of Ethiopian peacekeepers. The north and south negotiators also agreed to establish a council to oversee security in Abyei. The council will comprise two members from both sides along with a representative from the African Union. Mr. Mbeki told reporters the deal clears the way for the return of tens of thousands of displaced persons and establishes a basis for talks on Abyei's final status to be held after the south secedes on July 9.