This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7025357.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Monks 'seeking to flee Rangoon' Monks 'trying to escape Rangoon'
(about 4 hours later)
Scores of monks are trying to leave Burma's main city, Rangoon, following the military's bloody crackdown on anti-government protests, reports say.Scores of monks are trying to leave Burma's main city, Rangoon, following the military's bloody crackdown on anti-government protests, reports say.
Witnesses said many monks were at the railway station, while bus drivers were said to be refusing to take them out of fear they would not be allowed petrol. Monks were seen at the railway station and bus drivers were reportedly refusing to take them, out of fear they would not be allowed petrol.
Hundreds of people have now been detained, with more arrests overnight. Curfews and night-time police raids are continuing in Rangoon. Correspondents describe a climate of fear there.
A UN envoy is preparing a key report on his talks with Burma's leaders amid global concern over the situation. A UN envoy is preparing a report on his talks with Burma's leaders.
The envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, met top military leaders to voice concern over the violence. He also met pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, met head of state Gen Than Shwe as well as pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who is under house arrest.
He is expected to brief both UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council later this week.He is expected to brief both UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council later this week.
The EU has agreed in principle to toughen already existing sanctions against Burma and is reportedly looking at ways of specifically targeting its military rulers.
Missing monksMissing monks
Mr Gambari was despatched to Burma last week after police and soldiers used violence to halt almost two weeks of anti-government protests. Military vehicles patrolled Rangoon's streets before dawn with loudspeakers blaring: "We have photographs. We are going to make arrests."
Buddhist monk's view Waiting game in Rangoon Exiles in desperate conditionsBuddhist monk's view Waiting game in Rangoon Exiles in desperate conditions
The authorities said 10 people were killed, although diplomats and activists believe the number of dead is many times higher. One correspondent in Rangoon told the BBC that people in the country's former capital were angry and frightened.
The correspondent described how a middle-aged man in one of the city's tea shops whispered: "I really want change - but they have guns and we don't, so they'll always win."
Reports from Rangoon said around 25 more monks were arrested by security forces in a raid on a temple overnight.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported about 80 monks and 149 women believed to be nuns had been freed. They had been rounded up as part of the military's violent crackdown on protesters last week.
The authorities said 10 people were killed during the demonstrations - which continued for about two weeks.
Diplomats and activists believe the number of dead is many times higher.
Hundreds of monks - who led the protests - have been detained and sources have told the BBC they will be sent to prisons in the far north of the country.Hundreds of monks - who led the protests - have been detained and sources have told the BBC they will be sent to prisons in the far north of the country.
Other protesters are also said to be missing.Other protesters are also said to be missing.
Reports from Rangoon said around 25 more monks were arrested by security forces in a raid on a temple overnight.
Witnesses reported many monks stranded at bus stations, unable to get out of the city, and few monks were seen on the streets.
Rangoon was said to be quiet, with troops maintaining a heavy presence and warning protesters to stay away. An eyewitness there said that people seemed very scared.
On Tuesday the UN's top human rights official, Louise Arbour, called on the junta to give "precise and verifiable information" on the number of dead and injured as well as "the whereabouts and condition of those who have been arrested".On Tuesday the UN's top human rights official, Louise Arbour, called on the junta to give "precise and verifiable information" on the number of dead and injured as well as "the whereabouts and condition of those who have been arrested".
Army defector Defector
Meanwhile, footage has emerged of a Burmese army officer who fled to Thailand in the first apparent defection since the crackdown. A Burmese army officer, who fled to Thailand in the first apparent defection since the crackdown, has been giving interviews to media organisations.
HAVE YOUR SAY The problem of Burma, like that of Zimbabwe, will not be solved without a change in moral values and China's attitude to human rights Ntsane Lesenyeho, Lesotho Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY The problem of Burma, like that of Zimbabwe, will not be solved without a change in moral values and China's attitude to human rights Ntsane Lesenyeho, Lesotho Send us your comments
The officer, whose unit was ordered to Rangoon to deal with the protests, said he did not want to beat or shoot monks - who are revered in Burmese society.The officer, whose unit was ordered to Rangoon to deal with the protests, said he did not want to beat or shoot monks - who are revered in Burmese society.
"I knew the plan to beat and shoot the monks and if I stayed on, I would have to follow these orders. Because I'm a Buddhist, I did not want to kill the monks," he said."I knew the plan to beat and shoot the monks and if I stayed on, I would have to follow these orders. Because I'm a Buddhist, I did not want to kill the monks," he said.
The officer is now seeking asylum abroad.The officer is now seeking asylum abroad.
The BBC's Chris Hogg says that this is a rare split in the ranks which dissident groups will attempt to exploit as evidence that some younger officers are opposed to the brutal crackdown by the country's leaders.The BBC's Chris Hogg says that this is a rare split in the ranks which dissident groups will attempt to exploit as evidence that some younger officers are opposed to the brutal crackdown by the country's leaders.
So far, though, there is no sign that others are prepared to follow his lead, our correspondent says.So far, though, there is no sign that others are prepared to follow his lead, our correspondent says.
Are you in the area? Are you affected by the events in Burma? Send us your comments using the form below.
Are you in the area? Are you affected by the events in Burma? Send us your comments using the form below.
You can send your pictures and moving footage to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to + 44 (0) 7725 100 100You can send your pictures and moving footage to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to + 44 (0) 7725 100 100
Click here for terms and conditions on sending photos and videoClick here for terms and conditions on sending photos and video
When taking photos or filming please do not endanger yourself or others, take unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.When taking photos or filming please do not endanger yourself or others, take unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
Name:
 Name: