Myanmar MPs call for end to conflict in northern Kachin state

NAYPYIDAW (AFP) - Myanmar's parliament on Friday approved a motion calling for a halt to fighting between the military and rebels in the northern state of Kachin which has marred optimism about the country's political reforms.

The conflict between government forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) - the armed wing of the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) - has escalated recently with the use of air strikes by the military.

The proposal to halt the clashes and resume ceasefire talks, submitted by Kachin MP Doibu of the Unity and Democracy Party, was passed by a voice vote in the lower chamber, house speaker Shwe Mann announced.

"To implement the peace process, the proposal was approved to urge the responsible organisations and the government to start peace dialogue as soon as possible after immediately stopping the fighting between the KIO/KIA and government troops," the speaker and former general said.