Myanmar army, guerrilla groups agree on ceasefire

Beijing, January 12

Myanmar’s military reached a ceasefire pact with an alliance of ethnic minority guerrilla groups it has been battling in the country’s northeast, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Friday. Myanmar’s military government confirmed the development. The agreement was brokered at talks mediated by China on Wednesday and Thursday in China’s Kunming, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing.

Myanmar’s military council spokesperson Maj Gen Zaw Min Tun said, “We will continue discussions. We will continue to work for strengthening the ceasefire.” A previous cease-fire pact reached in mid-December was not honoured by either side. The Three Brotherhood Alliance comprises the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army and the Arakan Army. The alliance has agreed for talks. — AP