EU urges end to conflict in Myanmar

In a statement, it said: "The EU urges restraint on all sides and calls for dialogue in order to immediately end hostilities and work towards genuine, inclusive and lasting peace. We also call on all conflicting parties to facilitate immediate humanitarian access to the affected communities to cater for urgent needs of civilians."

Fighting between two armed groups - The Ta'ang National Liberation Army and the Restoration Council of Shan State - started in November and continues until today, forcing thousands of villagers to flee. 

The EU expressed concern about reports of intensifying military action and armed clashes. It was also concerned about reports of forced recruitment of civilians by armed actors, rearmament of certain groups and the alleged use of landmines are deeply disturbing. 

"Continued fighting puts the lives of vulnerable communities, especially women and children, at risk and undermines the trust that will be essential to advancing Myanmar’s peace process on the road to national reconciliation. The signing of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement has been an important step on this path. Work must continue in order to implement the agreement and to make it fully inclusive," it said.