Guinea's warring political factions agreed on Friday to reschedule next year's local elections in a bid to end a democratic crisis which has sparked deadly protests across the country.

Justice Minister Cheick Sacko announced the compromise after chairing two days of talks in the capital Conakry with senior figures from the ruling party and oppositon coalition.

Guinea's President Alpha Conde asked his government on Monday to open talks with opposition leaders "without delay" aimed at ending a political deadlock which has led to violent street protests.

The announcement follows weeks of clashes between anti-government activists and security forces in the west African nation's capital Conakry and several provincial towns that have left several people dead and dozens wounded.

With the Guinean government accused of electoral dark arts and the opposition of spoiling for a coup, the west African country's political factions are embroiled in a standoff that may require international arbitration.

Across the capital Conakry, supporters boast of victory for the nation's incumbent leader months before the presidential campaign has even begun, waving banners saying "Re-election of Alpha Conde in the First Round."

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off Papua New Guinea on Tuesday, sending frightened residents fleeing from their homes, but a threatened tsunami passed without incident, seismologists said.

The quake struck 133 kilometers (83 miles) south-southwest of the town of Kokopo in the New Britain region at a depth of 63 kilometers, the U.S. Geological Survey said, and was followed by a 5.9 magnitude aftershock.

More than 20 people were wounded Monday in clashes between anti-government protesters and police in Guinea, the opposition said, as the regime of President Alpha Conde clamped down on nationwide demonstrations.

Clashes broke out between youths and security forces in the capital Conakry as demonstrators burned tires and threw stones at police, who responded with tear gas, according to witnesses.

Security forces in Guinea killed a protester and wounded four others, witnesses said Thursday, as opposition supporters clashed with police in series of anti-government rallies in the country's largest towns and cities.

The opposition had called for a nationwide day of protest against a disputed election timetable after two weeks of violent clashes in the capital Conakry, even as the president ruled out any review.

Fresh violence erupted in the Guinean capital Tuesday after a day of clashes between police and anti-government protesters that left one dead and several with gunshot wounds, AFP correspondents witnessed.

Hundreds of youths threw stones at police who responded with tear gas and warning shots, bringing traffic to a standstill on a main highway into the central Conakry, although there were no immediate reports of injuries.

Several protesters were wounded on Monday as Guinean police opened fire during violent demonstrations across the capital Conakry against the regime of President Alpha Conde.

Rioting broke out around 9:30 am (0930 GMT) in several suburbs including Simbaya and Hamadallaye, and angry protests continued as at least eight youths were treated for gunshot wounds.

The government of Ebola-hit Guinea on Wednesday urged a dialogue after the three main opposition leaders called for renewed protests against President Alpha Conde over upcoming elections.

"I would like to repeat the government's desire to find ways to restore confidence in the electoral process and to respect the constitution. But especially to preserve social peace," government spokesman Albert Damantang Camara told a press conference.

At least 10 people were killed and 11 others injured when a truck laden with passengers and luggage overturned in eastern Guinea, a security source said Saturday.

The accident happened on Friday near the town of Beyla, the source told Agence France Presse from the capital Conakry, adding that the 11 people were "seriously injured".