Ongoing Conflict in Burma’s Kachin State

By US Embassy Rangoon • January 24, 2013

The United States is deeply concerned by ongoing violence in Burma’s Kachin State. 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 in the vicinity of the Kachin Independence Army headquarters in Laiza. The United States strongly opposes the ongoing fighting, which has resulted in civilian casualties and undermined efforts to advance national reconciliation. The United States is also deeply concerned about the safety of civilians in the area and continues to urge the Burmese Government to allow unhindered access to those in need of assistance from the United Nations and international humanitarian agencies. The United States urges both sides to take all necessary steps to create an atmosphere for dialogue to achieve sustainable peace in Kachin State.