Miliband in plea to Burma's rulers

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The Foreign Secretary used his first address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday night to give his backing to pro-democracy protests and urged the regime to promote "genuine reconciliation".

He was speaking after soldiers opened fire on thousands of anti-government activists, killing at least nine people and injuring 11. Mr Miliband urged the generals to co-operate with UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari, who has been sent to Burma by secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.

He said: "I call on the regime to allow peaceful protest, encourage national dialogue and promote genuine reconciliation. It is good that the Burmese government has allowed Ambassador Gambari access to the country but it's now vital they use his presence there to start addressing the situation."

He made a pointed reference to the maroon-robed monks who led the initial protests amid reports that many had now been rounded up during raids on monasteries.

"Let us send a message to the monks on the streets of Burma: We support your demand for a democratic Burma," he said. "And let us take a message from the monks on the streets of Burma: the human desire for freedom knows no bounds of race or religion or region."

His comments echoed those of US President George Bush, who said: "The world is watching the people of Burma take to the streets to demand their freedom, and the American people stand in solidarity with these brave individuals.

"We feel admiration and compassion for the monks and peaceful protesters calling for democracy. Every civilised nation has a responsibility to stand up for people suffering under a brutal military regime like the one that has ruled Burma for too long.

"I call on all nations that have influence with the regime to join us in supporting the aspirations of the Burmese people and to tell the Burmese junta to cease using force on its own people, who are peacefully expressing their desire for change."

Pro-democracy campaigners have pledged to "strike back" against the Burmese government in the face of lethal attacks by the military.