Burma-Myanmar: Army extends unilateral nationwide truce excluding Rakhine State
The Myanmar military has extended its truce in the country until the end of next month—once again excluding Rakhine State, this time on the basis that the truce does not cover areas where state-declared terrorist groups are operating.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) said it would continue working to contain COVID-19 and to achieve peace by implementing Part 3 of the Union Accord, which was signed at last week’s fourth session of the 21st-Century Panglong Union Peace Conference.
The Tatmadaw said it would extend its existing ceasefire, which was due to end on Aug. 31, until Sept. 30 and suspend military activities in the country, “except in the areas where the government-declared terrorists groups are active.”
The military’s unilateral ceasefire was initially due to last from May 10 to Aug. 31 in order to allow an effective response to the coronavirus outbreak and promote peace.