CHIANG MAI -- Myanmar's military regime has announced an extension of a ceasefire in its conflict with ethnic rebels until the end of the month to facilitate relief efforts in the wake of the deadly March earthquake, despite widespread reports that it repeatedly violated its previous two cessations of hostilities.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the office of regime leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the ceasefire was extended to "speed up reconstruction and relief efforts in earthquake-affected areas" and to "help restore stability and lasting peace in the interests of the country and its people."
