[Myanmar] Us Concerned After Govt Ceasefire In Kachin Fails

The US is “deeply concerned†over the Kachin conflict in northern Burma after a supposed government ceasefire failed to stem the violence, the US Embassy in Burma said on Thursday. “Despite the Burmese government’s announcement that a ceasefire was to take effect on January 19, media and NGO reports indicate that the Burmese Army continues a military offensive,†an Embassy statement said. It urged the warring parties to cease violence and engage in a dialogue. “The United States strongly opposes the ongoing fighting, which has resulted in civilian casualties and undermined efforts to advance national reconciliation,†the Embassy said, adding that the government should also to let UN aid into Kachin villager camps.