President, rebels sign draft cease-fire

Myanmar's president on Tuesday signed a draft national cease-fire with armed rebel groups that the UN hailed as a "historic and significant achievement" as the country tries to end decades of civil war.

Reformist leader Thein Sein, who has placed a national cease-fire agreement at the heart of efforts to shake off the legacy of military rule, said an end to the fighting was within reach - even though unrest continues in northern border areas.

"The people need peace, they desire peace and they expect peace," he told representatives of 16 major ethnic minority armed groups at the draft signing ceremony in Yangon on Tuesday, adding that a full agreement could be inked in months.