As United Nations envoy Ibrahim Gambari arrives in Burma (Myanmar) today in a diplomatic effort to quell the violence, details of the death toll and current situation surrounding the massive peaceful protests against the ruling military regime remain unclear. The official government count of protesters killed is 10, while most outside estimates reach as high as 200. There have been reports of over 700 arrests of Buddhist monks after raids on dozens of monasteries as the pro-democracy protesters continue to demonstrate against a dictatorial military government that, in addition to documented human rights violations, has devolved Burma from one of the wealthiest countries in Southeast Asia, to one of the poorest. Currently, Burma (Myanmar) is ranked the most corrupt country in the world by Transparency International.
US Charge d'Affaires in Burma Urges World Attention
Melissa Block talked with the U.S. Charge d'Affaires, Shari Villarosa, in Yangon, Myanmar, about the situation in this NPR interview. Ms. Villarosa provided an overview of the the situation and a plea to the world to "keep remembering what's going on here".
Click here to listen (WMV) >> 
Senator Kerry and others took to the floor of the Senate this week to urge support for the peaceful protesters, primarily monks and students, who continue their opposition to a repressive regime where documented human rights violations are common and the failed economy is evidenced in the stunning contrast between the excesses of the ruling military regime and the relative poverty of the people of Burma.
FreeBurma.org has more on the current situation and suggestions for what you can do to support the people of Burma in their struggle. If you have a Facebook account, also check out the actions and updates posted in the group "Support the Monks' protest in Burma" which was featured in this Reuters article.
Comments (2)
Posted by wisteria | September 29, 2007 11:43 AM
This is an excellent and very informatitive post. I was not aware of the tragedy unfolding in Burma. I can't thank you enough for bringing me up to date.
Posted by Connie | September 29, 2007 1:12 PM
I too learned so much from JK's speech. I had no idea of the deplorable conditions the Burmese people live under. If this administration needs to have an understanding of what is occurring and what should be done in Burma, JK has given them the information. At any rate, the people of the USA now know, and we'll begin to lend a hand. I am so reassured when JK mentions the necessity of the UN taking action. As the main place of peaceful arbitration of the world's problems in the future, let's not allow the neocons to dismantle this wonderful agency, which they seem hell bent on doing because it seems to interfere with their quest for total world power.