UN calls on all parties in Kokang region, Myanmar to defuse tension

The UN on Tuesday calls on all parties in the Kokang region of eastern Myanmar to actively assist in defusing the situation to avert fresh outbreaks of tension and meanwhile avoid any harm to civilians.

Heavy fighting broke out in the region on Feb. 9 between the government forces and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). During the week-long clashes, the government forces carried out five air strikes against the MNDAA, termed by the government as Kokang renegade troops.

In a note to correspondents, UN spokesperson's office said "the resumed clashes are causing deep concern of possible escalation of conflict in this border region of Myanmar to a qualitatively different level."

"The warring parties as well as other armed groups in the area must exercise maximum restraint and avoid any further escalation of hostilities in any way," said the note.

The Myanmar government has declared a state of emergency in Kokang region of the northeastern Shan State and introduced martial law following week-long armed clashes between the government forces and the Kokang ethnic army. Endite