(Reuters) - Rwanda-backed M23 rebels said on Monday that they had withdrawn from planned peace talks aimed at resolving a spiralling conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo after the EU imposed sanctions on its leader and on Rwandan army commanders.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels said on Monday they would send a delegation to peace talks with Democratic Republic of Congo's government expected to begin on Tuesday in Angola's capital.The five-member delegation is expected to leave for Luanda on Monday for dialogue at the request of Angolan authorities,

The Rwanda-backed rebels who captured key areas of Congo’s mineral-rich east say they have withdrawn from planned peace talks with the country’s government in Angola.