Myanmar government officials met with representatives of Kachin rebels
in China on March 11 to renew peace talks, which aim to resolve the
conflict in Myanmar ’s northern province of Kachin.
Analysts said the meeting is a positive sign following recent clashes.
Earlier in January 2013, the Myanmar government unilaterally
declared a ceasefire in Kachin to prepare for a political dialogue.
However, violence still continues in the province. Nearly 100,000 people
had to flee since June 2011 when a ceasefire was broken.
After coming to power in early 2011, the government of President Thein
Sein has signed ceasefire agreements with 10 rebel groups. The Kachin
Independence Organisation (KIO) is the only remaining one having failed
to reach a ceasefire with the government so far.-VNA