Myanmar and Kachin rebels agree to continue talks to reach ceasefire

YANGON (AFP) - Myanmar's government and Kachin rebels have agreed to continue talks to reach an elusive ceasefire during peace discussions hosted by China, the warring rivals said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Representatives of the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) - and its armed wing the KIA - met government officials led by President's Office Minister Aung Min in the Chinese border town of Ruili on Monday and Tuesday.

"Agreement has been reached to continue (talking ) until we get a firm ceasefire based on mutual understanding, respect and trust, to start real political dialogue," the joint statement said.

The "step-by-step" talks must be followed by orders to "responsible grassroots-level troops from both sides", it added, without giving details - although both armies blame each other for breaking previous ceasefires.