UN urges Myanmar to stop airstrikes against disputed Kachin state

New York - Myanmar should halt any action against targets in Kachin state, where fighting between government and rebel forces has caused a humanitarian crisis, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Wednesday.

Ban said he had taken note of recent news reports of airstrikes launched at Kachin and was closely following emerging details.

He called for "Myanmar authorities to desist from any action that could endanger the lives of civilians living in the area or further intensify the conflict" in the region.

"The on-going hostilities have already caused large-scale displacement of civilians, who continue to be in need of humanitarian assistance," Ban said. "It is vital that timely access be provided for the delivery of aid to vulnerable communities."//DPA