Myanmar govt and Kachin rebels agree to continue dialogue

YANGON (AFP) - Myanmar held fresh talks with Kachin ethnic minority rebels on Monday, vowing to keep up efforts to find an elusive breakthrough in a conflict that has overshadowed dramatic political reforms.

The two sides agreed to continue dialogue with the aim of reaching a "strong ceasefire" in Myanmar's violence-wracked far north, according to a joint statement released after the talks in the Chinese border town of Ruili.

They agreed to hold another meeting before the end of February.

"Both sides discussed in a friendly and open manner," said Mr Hla Maung Shwe, a government-appointed mediator who took part in the meeting.