UN Security Council rejects violence in Byanmar

Council members claimed victory as all 15 members supported the statement, which was the first ever issued by the body on the situation in Burma. China opposed previous attempts by the council to address the situation there.

Burma's military junta cracked down heavily on protests led by Buddhist monks in the last few weeks, though the exact death toll from its actions is not known.

Western governments in the council said conditions in Burma, from drug trafficking to human rights abuses and health problems, are threats to security and peace in the region. China considered the conditions internal matters and opposed UN interference.

The statement, which was read by the council president, Ghanaian Ambassador Leslie Kojo Christian, called for the "early release of all political prisoners and remaining detainees." 

It called on "the government of Burma and all other parties concerned to work together towards a de-escalation of the situation and a peaceful solution." 

"The Security Council calls on the government of Burma to take all necessary measures to address the political, economic, humanitarian and human rights issues that are the concern of its people and emphasizes that the future of Burma lies in the hands of all its people," the statement said.

It welcomed the military junta's decision to appoint a liaison officer with Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of the opposition National League for Democracy, who has been living under house arrest for more than 10 years.

The council said it supported the diplomatic mission of UN special envoy for Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, who is returning to Asia this weekend for talks with governments in the region before going back to Yangon in November.

Ibrahim Gambari will first visit Thailand on Monday before going to Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China and Japan.

Consultations with governments in those countries should prepare him for his second visit to Burma's capital in one month, said spokeswoman Marie Okabe.

France, the US and Britain had submitted a draft statement to condemn the military repression of popular demonstrations led by Buddhist monks. Their statement also called specifically for the release of Suu Kyi, whereas the statement issued on Thursday called instead for the release of "all" political prisoners.

British Ambassador John Sawers said the statement adopted by the council was a compromise while delivering a clear message to the military authorities to meet the voices of the people.

"It was the first ever statement, which encapsulates the strong objection to violence and demands the release of political prisoners," Sawers told reporters. "It was an important step forward for the council." 

Other diplomats said the council remained united to deal with the situation in Burma and support the UN secretary general's efforts to resolve the situation with diplomatic means.