Burma agrees peace deal with rebels

Burma’s central government has reached a preliminary peace agreement with a rebel group belonging to the Mon ethnic minority, state media reported.

The state-run Myanma Ahlin reported today that the deal was agreed over the weekend with the New Mon State Party.

Similar peace agreements have been reached in recent months between the government and other ethnic groups, including the Karen, Shan, Chin, Wa and Kokang minorities.

The government and the Mon rebels reached an initial ceasefire earlier this month after state-level mediators held talks with the rebels.

On Saturday, both sides secured that deal and agreed to hold talks again within 45 days.

The paper said the government also agreed to free imprisoned Mon rebels.