Burma's state media report that members of a former ethnic rebel group have handed over their weapons to the military government at a ceremony in the country's north.
The Palaung State Liberation Army, which reached a cease-fire agreement with the junta 14 years ago, turned over mortars and rocket launchers along with other arms and ammunition Friday at a soccer field in northern Shan state.
Representatives of several other ethnic groups that have reached a cease-fire agreement with the junta attended the event, along with military officials, including fourth-ranking leader Lieutenant General Thein Sein.
Palaung is the second ethnic group after the Shan State National Army to surrender weapons this month to the government. It was not immediately known what prompted the move to disarm.
(ap, afp, cia, new light of myanmar)
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EAP/BFH/CA
