MYANMAR’S military has extended its ceasefire agreements with ethnic armed groups until the end of the year, said a statement released by the Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services’ Office yesterday.

The nationwide ceasefire agreement started in October 2015.

The military extended the ceasefire to boost the peace process and enable effective efforts to combat Covid-19 in the country, added the statement, as reported by Xinhua.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of the state Administration Council and commander-in-chief of Defence Services, announced the decision at a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen in Nay Pyi Taw in January.

The military announced extending suspension of military operations 20 times from December 21, 2018, till February 28 this year.

Myanmar declared a state of emergency after President U Win Myint, state counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and other officials from the National League for Democracy were detained by the military on February 1 last year.

After the declaration of emergency, the state power was transferred to Min Aung Hlaing. – Bernama, March 1, 2022.