UN slams Myanmar crackdown

UN: The UN Security Council Thursday slammed the military crackdown in Myanmar, called for the release of political prisoners and urged dialogue with the opposition icon Aung San Suu Kyi.

In its first joint formal action since last month’s pro-democracy protests, the 15-member council said it deplored the repression amid mounting concern about some 1,000 demonstrators still held by the regime.

“The Security Council strongly deplores the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations in Myanmar,” said the unanimous statement, adding it “emphasizes the importance of the early release of all political prisoners and remaining detainees.”

The UN Security Council statement, which was watered down to win the consent of members China and Russia, urged “the government of Myanmar and all other parties concerned to work together towards a de-escalation of the situation and a peaceful solution.”

New York, Friday, AFP