Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 0600 GMT, April 16

Myanmar's government forces have seized three strategic hilltops from the Kokang ethnic army in a series of fierce fighting since April 5 using heavy weapons, the military- run Myawaddy media reported Thursday.

In addition to taking over other small hills nearby, the government troops have controlled the entire San Ta Aik Shun highland and have been pursuing Kokang's Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) which is retreating, the report said. (Myanmar-Kokang-Fighting)

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SEOUL -- South Korean lawmakers on Thursday passed a resolution that calls for the salvaging of the sunken Sewol ferry, which has been demanded by family members of the victims and survivors.

During a regular session, 161 lawmakers voted in favor of the resolution, two against, and two abstained. (S.Korea-Sewol Ferry)

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JAKARTA -- An F-16 jet fighter of the Indonesian air force, donated by the United States, was on fire at Halim Perdanakusuma airport in Jakarta before taking off on Thursday, military officer said.

The accident occurred at 08:15 a.m. Jakarta time when the plane was about to take off for an exercise to secure the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Asian African Conference in Jakarta and Bandung city, said Air Marshal Hadi Cahyanto, spokesman of the Indonesian air force. (Indonesia-F-16 Jet-Incident)

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WELLINGTON -- New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said here Thursday he will be looking to tie up a free trade agreement during a tour of three Gulf States next week.

Key said he would be the first New Zealand prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia when he arrived at the head of an 18-strong business delegation, which will also take in the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.(New Zealand-FTA-Gulf States) Endi