Yangon (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Some US lawmakers have called on President George W. Bush's and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to demand a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the Myanmese junta's latest crackdown on peaceful protests against high prices.
The Bush administration was quick in condemning the Myanmar junta's "brutal behaviour.” A similar reaction came from France and the United Kingdom, both permanent members of the Security Council, as well as Canada, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark and the European Union. However, the Myanmar junta has two potential allies on the Security Council: China and Russia.
The junta sparked public anger when it increased key fuel prices on August 15. Since then street protests have taken place in Yangon and in other locations every day.
The authorities have arrested more than 100 people, including many pro-democracy leaders.
On Tuesday a group of activists were held at an improvised detention centre at the city's Kyaikkasan sports ground, where some have gone a hunger strike to get medical care for one protester who was mistreated and hurt.
In order to avoid having to deal with the issue directly and getting their hands dirty, the generals have unleashed hired gangs against the protesters.
They have also sent a list of dissidents with names, photos and biographical information to local government officials and hotel operators across Yangon with an order to report them.