UK fears Burma toll 'far higher'

[babylonsister]

UK fears Burma toll 'far higher'

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said he believes the loss of life in Burma has been "far greater" than that reported by the authorities.

He was speaking after holding talks by phone with US President George W Bush and Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao.

Burmese officials said nine people were killed on Thursday as troops fired tear gas and bullets to disperse crowds of anti-government protesters in Rangoon.

Most internet links have been severed and mobile phone networks disrupted.

''I want to condemn absolutely the appalling level of violence against the people of Burma.

"I am afraid that we believe the loss of life in Burma is far greater than is being reported so far," Mr Brown said.

He said he hoped the combined international pressure from the US, China, the EU and UN would "begin to make the regime see this cannot continue".

Both the British and Australian ambassadors in Burma said they believed the number of dead "could be many multiples" of the number given by state media.

more...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7018920.stm

[Desertrose]

1. I hoped it wouldn't have come to this.....

but I'm not surprised. Still...what an amazing thing to stand up for what is right even in the face of violence and death.

Will this world NEVER learn??

DR

[babylonsister]

2. Check this out, and I agree. I'm in awe:

[Desertrose]

3. Wow. Just WOW.

This IS beyond impressive.....

[Dorian Gray]

7. Probably not, DR...

We never seem to learn.... but the struggle is inspirational.

[emlev]

4. Link to more horrible news

New thread

[babylonsister]

5. I just read that; unreal.

:cry:

[uppityperson]

6. k&r

[Desertrose]

8. Link for petition ...

If you feel called to do so, please sign & forward.

Dear friends,

Burma's generals have brought their brutal iron hand down on peaceful monks and protesters -- but in response, a massive global outcry is gathering pace. The roar of global public opinion is being heard in hundreds of protests outside Chinese and Burmese embassies, people round the world wearing the monks' color red, and on the internet-- where our petition has exploded to over 200,000 signers in just 72 hours.

People power can win this. Burma's powerful sponsor China can halt the crackdown, if it believes that its international reputation and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing depend on it. To convince the Chinese government and other key countries, Avaaz is launching a major global and Asian ad campaign on Wednesday, including full page ads in the Financial Times and other newspapers, that will deliver our message and the number of signers. We need 1 million voices to be the global roar that will get China's attention. If every one of us forwards this email to just 20 friends, we'll reach our target in the next 72 hours. Please sign the petition at the link below -if you haven't already- and forward this email to everyone you care about:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/t.php

The pressure is working - already, there are signs of splits in the Burmese Army, as some soldiers refuse to attack their own people. The brutal top General, Than Shwe, has reportedly moved his family out of the country – he must fear his rule may crumble.

The Burmese people are showing incredible courage in the face of horror. We're broadcasting updates on our effort over the radio into Burma itself – telling the people that growing numbers of us stand with them. Let's do everything we can to help them – we have hours, not days, to do it. Please sign the petition and forward this email to at least 20 friends right now. Scroll down our petition page for details of times and events to join in the massive wave of demonstrations happening around the world at Burmese and Chinese embassies.

With hope and determination,

The whole Avaaz Team

Peace
DR