Myanmar's government begins talks with rebels
Sunday 03 February 2013
Printable
EmailMyanmar's government and ethnic Kachin rebels are due to start talks in China tomorrow to halt an upsurge in violence in the country's north.
The meeting comes after the military seized several strategic rebel-held hilltops this month around guerilla HQ Laiza.
There has been speculation that the government launched the assault to strengthen its hand at the negotiating table.
The area has been quiet since the army captured Hka Ya Bhum hill on January 26.
The Kachin are the only major ethnic rebel group to have not reached a deal with President Thein Sein as they push for greater autonomy.
Since the conflict resumed in June 2011 after a 17-year ceasefire, the two sides have held at least 10 rounds of talks to try to end it.
If you appreciated this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep developing your paper.
Editorial
Stand by our firefighters
Fire Minister Brandon Lewis probably had a fair idea what Sir Ken Knight would deliver when he asked him to conduct an "independent" report into fire and rescue services in England.
Features
A timely reminder of the long fight ahead
As LGBT activists worldwide celebrate anti-homophobia day we are reminded of prevailing prejudice
Fighting child abuse in the community
Bradford has seen the launch of a new campaign to battle the sources of child sex exploitation - and combat far-right bids to make it a racial issue