In the World

MYANMAR

Deal for cease-fire reached with rebels

The government of Myanmar and armed ethnic rebel groups have agreed on the text of a nationwide cease-fire agreement that aims to end decades of conflict in the Southeast Asian nation, negotiators said Monday.

The draft accord was seen as a significant development after 16 months of talks, but it still must be signed by the leaders of more than a dozen armed groups.

It also comes amid intensifying conflict between the Myanmar army and a northern rebel faction that has spilled across the border into China, raising questions about the viability of any cease-fire agreement.

"We are satisfied but not completely," said Khun Okker, cochairman of the rebels' negotiating team. "We have reached the limitations of what we can do. Now the draft must go to the leaders for signature." - L.A. Times
BURUNDI

Landslides kill 18

Eighteen people died and 10 others are missing as heavy rains caused landslides in an area about 20 miles south of the capital, Bujumbura, on Sunday evening. As many as 200 houses were destroyed, Bujumbura Province Gov. Jacques Minani said by telephone. Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza is visiting the area, according to a cabinet statement handed to reporters on Monday. - Bloomberg
UKRAINE

Fighting breaks out

Clashes were reported between government troops and separatists in eastern Ukraine, while regional officials said 22 tanks crossed the border from Russia. Two servicemen were wounded as Ukrainians repelled an attack by pro-Russian rebels near the village of Tryokhizbenka on Sunday evening and there were sporadic clashes elsewhere, Luhansk regional Gov. Hennadiy Moskal said. - Bloomberg