DHAKA: Myanmar has signed a ceasefire with eight ethnic minority rebel groups in a step towards ending decades of civil war.

The move was weakened by the refusal of several other armed groups to join the deal, despite more than two years of negotiations.

The truce was a key goal of President Thein Sein in advance of November elections, which are likely to sweep his army-backed party from power.

Thein Sein signed the agreement in the capital Naypyidaw in a televised signing ceremony attended by the army chief and rebel representatives in ethnic dresses, reports Al Jazeera.

The refusal of the larger armies, such as the Kachin and Wa, to sign it prevented Thein Sein from reaching what he had hoped would be the crowning achievement of his five-year term.

Nevertheless, the agreement, called the National Ceasefire Agreement, is seen as a first step towards ending six decades of fighting between the government, dominated by the Burmese majority, and various minority ethnic groups demanding autonomy and control over their natural resources.

BDST: 1338 HRS, OCT 15, 2015
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