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Burma government and Kachin rebels hold talks | |
(35 minutes later) | |
Burma's government and ethnic Kachin rebels have begun talks in the Chinese border town of Ruili, amid ongoing fighting between troops and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). | |
The KIA have been fighting for greater autonomy for 50 years. | |
In recent weeks troops have captured several key rebel positions around the town of Laiza, the KIA headquarters, in northern Burma. | In recent weeks troops have captured several key rebel positions around the town of Laiza, the KIA headquarters, in northern Burma. |
A ceasefire came into place last month but broke down immediately. | |
Tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced by the fighting, which reignited in June 2011 after a 17-year truce failed. | Tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced by the fighting, which reignited in June 2011 after a 17-year truce failed. |
In a statement, the KIA said China would mediate during the meeting. Several rounds of talks have already been held without agreement. | In a statement, the KIA said China would mediate during the meeting. Several rounds of talks have already been held without agreement. |
The rebels want a political deal in place before a ceasefire agreement can be signed. | The rebels want a political deal in place before a ceasefire agreement can be signed. |
In recent years the Burmese government has reached peace deals with all the major ethnic rebel groups on its borders except the KIA. | In recent years the Burmese government has reached peace deals with all the major ethnic rebel groups on its borders except the KIA. |
The conflict presents a challenge to the administration of President Thein Sein, which has been praised for reforms enacted since the transfer from military to civilian rule after elections in November 2010. | The conflict presents a challenge to the administration of President Thein Sein, which has been praised for reforms enacted since the transfer from military to civilian rule after elections in November 2010. |