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Guinea opposition leaders have accepted a government offer to begin talks aimed at resolving tensions that have sparked violent street protests, the United Nations’ top regional official said on Thursday. Amnesty International reports protest marches in April and May against the timing of elections later this year led to at least six deaths. The opposition accuses security forces of firing on the crowds, but authorities deny this. Observers have voiced concern that a presidential election planned for October could be marred by violence. More than 50 people died in riots ahead of Guinea’s legislative elections in 2013.