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Council Upbraids Myanmar Junta

China doesn't block UN panel's stance

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 11, 2007 4:50 PM CDT
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(Newser) – The UN Security Council unanimously condemned the Myanmar junta's violent suppression of pro-democracy protests in an official policy statement today, demanding the prompt release of all political prisoners and serious negotiations with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The council's first official action on Myanmar highlights a shift by China, who previously defended its trading partner before the council.

"The Security Council strongly deplores the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations in Myanmar," the statement said. UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari will return to Burma soon to check progress, Reuters reports. Council members emphasized that they would return to the issue if no action is taken: "We will not relent. We will persist," said US Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad.

Buddhist monks gather to chant prayers for the dead during ceremonies Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, at a temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand to remember those killed recently in central Myanmar. (AP Photo/Wichaifar Thapriaw)
Buddhist monks gather to chant prayers for the dead during ceremonies Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, at a temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand to remember those killed recently in central Myanmar. (AP Photo/Wichaifar...   (Associated Press)
This handout picture dated 30 September 2007 and provided by...
This handout picture dated 30 September 2007 and provided by...   (Getty Images)
Members of the United Nations Security Council.(AP Photo/David Karp)
Members of the United Nations Security Council.(AP Photo/David Karp)   (Associated Press)
An activist has his face partially covered by a flag he carries as he joins a rally in solidarity with the protest in Myanmar Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007 in front of the Chinese consulate in Manila's financial district of Makati. The protesters urged the Chinese government to reverse its foreign...
An activist has his face partially covered by a flag he carries as he joins a rally in solidarity with the protest in Myanmar Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007 in front of the Chinese consulate in Manila's financial...   (Associated Press)
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United Nations • Myanmar • Burma • Aung San Suu Kyi • Ibrahim Gambari • UN Security Council

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