Burmese rebels agree ceasefire in east

Ethnic Shan rebels in Burma have agreed to end fighting with troops in the country’s east, in the latest reported deal between the new reformist government and various ethnic separatist movements.

Negotiator Aung Min, who is also the country’s railway minister, said he discussed enforcing a ceasefire and eradicating drugs in eastern Burma in talks with Yawd Serk, leader of the Shan State Army (South).

He told reporters this weekend after the talks in the Shan State capital, Kengtung, that recent clashes were a result of “misunderstanding”.

“After detailed negotiations, there will be no more fighting,” Aung Min said.

Burmese president Thein Sein’s government has reached ceasefires with several ethnic rebel groups, but fierce fighting continues with the Kachin minority in northern Burma, with whom peace talks have so far failed.

The president last year issued an order for the army to cease its offensive against the Kachin, but it has not been effective.