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Over the past month, thousands of monks and civilians have been protesting in cities across Burma, demanding an end to injustice. The protests have now grown into the largest public demonstrations since 1988.

The protests were sparked by the military regime’s decision to raise fuel prices by 500 per cent. In response, the regime has launched a severe crackdown on protestors. Over 150 people have been arrested, including almost all the leading pro-democracy activists, and demonstrators have been savagely attacked by police and pro-junta mobs.




  
 
 
     
 

 

David Miliband comments on the Situation in Burma
   
 

Press Release (21/09/07)

The Foreign Secretary today called for a robust international response to the situation in Burma.

'Yesterday's briefing on Burma in the Security Council was an important step. The UK government has continually pressed the Burmese regime to stop their oppression and intimidation and called for a robust international response, including at the UN.

The timely discussion in the Council demonstrates the international community's concern at a time when the situation in the country is tense. The Burmese authorities recently resorted to using tear gas in their attempts to suppress the peaceful demonstrations of the brave monks, whose protests reflect the will of the majority of their fellow countrymen in wanting change in Burma.

The Security Council was united in its calls for the Burmese government to engage constructively with the UN Secretary General's envoy, Professor Gambari, and encouraged him to visit as soon as possible. We shall continue to work with our colleagues at the UN and in other multilateral bodies to keep up the pressure for positive change.

I intend to raise the situation in Burma with colleagues in New York next week. In the meantime the UK will continue to take the lead in providing humanitarian assistance to relieve the suffering of the Burmese people.'