(VOVworld) - The Myanmar government on Thursday signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA) with eight out of the 15 ethnic armed groups involved in the peace deal, signaling a possible end to nearly six decades of civil conflict.

Negotiation between the government's UPMW and ethnic armed groups. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

The signing at the Myanmar International Convention Centre was witnessed by local and international observers.

Among the attendees were President U Thein Sein, as well as Vice-Presidents, and leaders from military forces and the eight armed groups.

International witnesses from the United Nations, the European Union, China, India, Thailand and Japan were present at the event.

In late March, the Joint Ceasefire Monitoring Committee and a Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee signed a draft for the accord after one year of negotiation.

A political framework will be drawn up within 60 days after the formal NCA signing and political dialogue will start within 90 days.