ICRC gets aid into Myanmar's Kachin state

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YANGON, Myanmar, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross said Thursday it delivered medical assistance to people affected by violence in Myanmar's Kachin state.

"Throughout the month of February, (we) distributed surgical and other medical supplies to facilities in the state that provide care for people who are wounded or sick," the ICRC said. "The distributions took place both in government-controlled territory and in areas under the control of the Kachin Independence Army."

ICRC President Peter Maurer met in January with Myanmar's President Thein Sein to discuss medical assistance for Kachin.

Myanmar has received international recognition for political reforms that started with general elections in 2010. Its human rights record and complications from fighting in Kachin and Rakhine state have overshadowed the political developments, however.

U.N. special envoy on human rights Tomas Ojea Quintana has said the country was falling short on reform efforts.

Myanmar in January announced a unilateral cease-fire following an escalation of conflict with rebel forces in northern Kachin.