Myanmar government, Kachin rebel group hold peace talks

The Myanmar government and the ethnic rebel group Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) Tuesday held their first peace talks after the government offensive against the group launched in April, media reported.

Vice Chairman of the government's Central Peace Making Work Committee U Aung Min and KIO negotiator U Sum Hlut Gam are expected to seek a solution to the conflict in the meeting, Xinhua reported.

Representative of ethnic armed groups' National Ceasefire Coordination Team Pado Saw Kwe Htoo Win said the two-day meeting in Myitgyina, Kachin state's capital, would contribute to the national ceasefire talks.

On April 4 and 13, the government forces launched a mop-up operation in three main areas in Kachin state against the KIO, in which eight government soldiers were killed and 16 others injured, while the KIA lost 14 fighters with some arms and ammunition confiscated in the offensive.

The clashes came after the government's Central Peace Making Work Committee and ethnic armed groups' National Ceasefire Coordination Team met in Yangon April 8 for jointly drafting a nationwide ceasefire agreement.