The Myanmar Government and the rebel Kachin Independent Organisation (KIO) resumed peace talks on October 8 in Myitkyina, capital of Myanmar’s northernmost state of Kachin.

The government delegation was led by U Aung Min, Vice Chairman of the Central Peace Making Work Committee and Minister at the President's Office, while the KIO delegation was headed by U Sumlut Guam and Deputy Commander General Gwan Maw.

The event also saw the presence of Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General Nijay Nambiar, five Chinese foreign ministry officials Representatives of 10 ethnic armed groups and representatives of 10 ethnic armed groups.

The two sides discussed issues related to repositioning troops, developments after the last peace talks, formation of a joint monitoring committee and resettlement of internally displaced people.

Earlier in May, the two sides also held peace talks in Myitkyina. Their previous talks took place in Thailand on February 20 and China on February 4 and March 12.

The same day, Myanmar released 56 political prisoners under President Thein Sein’s commitment to freeing all political prisoners by the end of this year.-VNA