Myanmar announces extension of temporary ceasefire until June 30

YANGON -- The Office of the Commander-in-Chief of Defense Services of Myanmar on Saturday announced the extension of the temporary ceasefire until June 30, state-owned daily The Mirror reported on Sunday.

The extension, starting June 1, is aimed at supporting rehabilitation and resettlement efforts in quake-affected areas, serving the interests of the country and its people, and promoting peace and stability, the report said.

The Myanmar Armed Forces had earlier declared a temporary ceasefire from May 6 to 31 to help with rescue and relief work after the 7.9-magnitude quake, it added.

During the ceasefire, ethnic armed organizations and other armed groups are urged not to disrupt or attack communication routes used by the public, not to cause harm to or destroy the lives and property of civilians, not to attack security personnel and their camps, not to target military commands, not to recruit or mobilize forces that could undermine peace, and not to expand territories.

If such actions occur, the Myanmar Armed Forces will take necessary response measures to protect the public, the report said.