Myanmar rebel groups agree on peace plan

EPA Myanmar ethnic rebel groups have reached an agreement to negotiate a ceasefire with the government.

Eighteen ethnic rebel groups have reached an agreement to sign a ceasefire with the Myanmar (Burma) government if it agrees to their conditions.

The rebels agreed to negotiate with the government over the armistice, something the country has not had in 64 years.

The groups were drafting a nine-point ceasefire plan, conference spokesman Khun Oakka said at the end of the three-day conference in Laiza, 890 kilometres north of Rangoon.

It was called to discuss the government's proposal on a country-wide ceasefire.

The insurgents' demands are to be presented to government representatives at a conference November 4-5 in Myaitkyina, the capital of Kachin state.

The government of reform-minded President Thein Sein, which came to power in March 2011 after Myanmar's first elections in 20 years, has signed separate ceasefires with 14 of the country's ethnic rebel groups.

Some of the groups have been fighting since 1949, many for semi-autonomy for ethnic minorities in their traditional territories.

http://www.information.myanmaronlinecentre.com/myanmar-rebel-groups-agree-on-peace-plan-2/