Brown vows to keep the pressure up on Burma
Prime Minister Gordon Brown vowed to “keep up the pressure for change” on Burma today as demonstrators marched to Downing Street as part of an international day of action.
Mr Brown said today’s events were “all about repeating a firm message: the world has not forgotten – and will not forget – the people of Burma”.
And he repeated his commitment to secure tougher EU sanctions against the Rangoon regime and to support United Nations efforts in the country.
Demonstrators will wear red headbands in solidarity with Buddhist monks during marches in London and other cities.
Monks will lead a march from the Tate Britain gallery in central London to a rally in Trafalgar Square after tying headbands to the Downing Street gates.
Mr Brown said: “We have not forgotten their courage and dignity, taking to the streets in the face of a brutal regime.
“We have not forgotten the guns and batons, the arrests and murders, which met them.
“We believe that there have been many more killings than the regime admit. And appalling attacks on monks.”
The PM said he had “very grave concerns” that the numbers of people who had simply disappeared could be in the thousands and cited “strong evidence” that many were in detention.
“I have asked my officials to continue monitoring this situation, and I encourage NGOs and other governments to do so too.
“The demonstrators who have made sacrifices, and the brave citizens and journalists who have risked so much to get images and information to the outside world, deserve no less.
“I have also sent material we have received to the UN Secretary General – it is important that he sees the scale of the violence.
“The job of all those demonstrating today – campaigners, the media, politicians, members of the public – is to keep up the pressure for change.
“I salute and share the commitment of those who will send such a powerful message of support to the people of Burma today – and of condemnation to the regime that seeks to stifle those same Burmese voices.”
