Myanmar government holds peace talks with ethnic groups

The government of Myanmar is holding landmark peace talks with armed ethnic groups as part of efforts to bring an end to decades of conflict.

The meeting in the capital Nay Pyi Taw, involving 17 groups, is reportedly being opened by Myanmar foreign affairs minister Aung San Suu Kyi and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

According to the BBC, the government is hoping it can persuade the groups to disarm once and for all in exchange for greater influence.

Myanmar has been plagued by violence since gaining independence in 1948, with ethnic minority groups seeking independence or greater autonomy.

The former military-backed government had reached truces with some groups, but has never managed to secure a nationwide deal.

Sporadic violence, particularly in areas close to the Chinese border, has killed or displaced tens of thousands of people over the years.

Aung San Suu Kyi has said securing peace is a priority for her National League for Democracy, which won elections last year.