Myanmar ethnic joint group calls for ceasefire amid peace talks

A Myanmar ethnic joint group has called for an immediate ceasefire as armed clashes continued in the north of the country amid peace talks, the local Democracy Today daily reported on Sunday.

The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) issued a four- point statement, expressing regret that not only the ground fighting but also air strikes intensified amid coordination to reduce the military conflict.

These incidents have caused fruitless talks, further delaying the step of achieving peace in Myanmar, said the UNFC.

UNFC General Secretary Khu Ura demanded a ceasefire between the government forces and the Kokang ethnic army at once.

The 7th round of peace talks between the government's Union Peace-Making Work Committee (UPWC) and the Nationwide Ceasefire Coordination Team (NCCT) of ethnic armed groups have been underway in Yangon since March 17. The talks will resume on Monday to finalize a draft nationwide ceasefire accord.

Heavy fighting continued between the government forces and the Kokang ethnic army almost on a daily basis and fighting recurred in the northern Kachin state last weekend with government's jet fighters striking the Kachin Independence Army in the Mansi town. Endi