NHK World News
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20150213_32.html
Feb. 13, 2015 - Updated 02:59 UTC-8
Myanmar's state-run newspaper says 47 government soldiers have died over the past 4 days in fighting with ethnic militants.
The Global New Light of Myanmar said on Friday clashes between
government troops and Kokang rebels have flared up this week in the Shan
state in the east. It borders China.
Myanmar's military carried out airstrikes. They apparently inflicted heavy casualties on the minority group.
Thousands of residents have reportedly taken refuge in China's Yunnan Province.
Civil war in Myanmar between the military and minority groups has been
ongoing for more than five decades. But they recently made some progress
in peace talks.
The biggest point in the talks is the introduction of a federal system.
It would give minority groups strong autonomy as the nation moves toward
democracy.
The government appears to desire peace. But sporadic fighting continues
with the Kachin ethnic group in the north, as well as the Kokang group.
