Note to correspondents in response to questions on Myanmar

Regarding questions about recent clashes in Myanmar, the Spokesman has the following to say, on behalf of the Special Adviser on Myanmar, Vijay Nambiar: The resumed clashes between the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed groups around the Kokang region of eastern Myanmar are causing deep concern of possible escalation of conflict in this border region of Myanmar to a qualitatively different level.

The warring parties as well as other armed groups in the area must exercise maximum restraint and avoid any further escalation of hostilities in any way.

We call on all affected parties and authorities in the area to actively assist in defusing the situation so that fresh outbreaks of tension are averted, the dead and wounded are evacuated and any harm to or displacement of civilian populations is avoided.