Myanmar to sign peace deal with 8 rebel groups

Myanmar's government will sign a long-negotiated ceasefire on October 15 but with only eight rebel forces, officials said Sunday, as several major insurgent groups declined to ink an agreement that excludes some factions.

More than two years of talks to end decades of civil war in the nation's rugged borderlands have gained momentum in recent weeks, with the government eager to reach a deal before November's general election.

But hopes for a nationwide ceasefire have crumbled after several rebel groups refused to sign an agreement without the inclusion of all insurgent forces -- notably some smaller organisations locked in conflict with the army.

Major groups including the Kachin Independence Army have refused to sign the agreement, and clashes between them and government troops have intensified in recent weeks as the negotiations reach a critical juncture.

On Saturday a confederation of ethnic armed groups urged the international community to support efforts for "genuine political dialogue and peace" in Myanmar.