(AFP) – Myanmar’s government, the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO), and its armed wing, the Kachin Independence Army, have agreed to continue talks to reach a ceasefire. A joint statement released on Tuesday following the discussion said that an agreement has been reached to continue talks until both sides get a firm ceasefire based on mutual understanding, respect, and trust to start a real political dialogue. Both sides agreed to hold more talks before April 10, the third round of discussions this year, which follows an upsurge in violence at the end of 2012 in Kachin State.

Rebel Kachin Independence Army (KIA) soldiers, pictured on Hka Ya mountain in Kachin province on January 20, 2013 (Photo: bangkokpost)