The Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) have been holding talks to end the clashes in northern Shan State that have been going on since early December, the SSPP released a statement on December 15.

The statement said that both the SSPP and the RCSS were working to reduce tensions as much as possible and had held several rounds of talks. It said it hoped an agreement would be reached soon to end the fighting.

Colonel Sai Su from the SSPP and Colonel Sai On Tin from the RCSS led the discussion, which was coordinated by the Shan State Cooperation Committee (SSJAC).

RCSS spokesman Colonel Saw Ohm Khay said that the talks between the SSPP and the RCSS were correct and that the situation was improving. The SSPP and RCSS have been fighting since December 5 in Namtu and Hsipaw Townships, leaving more than 200 refugees in the area.