China issued an evenhanded plea for calm in Myanmar on Thursday after refusing to condemn the military-run government at the United Nations, while European countries urged Beijing to put pressure on its diplomatic and economic ally to stop the violence.
France and Britain also called on Southeast Asian nations to use their influence on Myanmar's generals to halt the violent crackdown on Buddhist monks and other anti-government protesters and start talks to promote national reconciliation.
French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner told reporters in New York that pressure from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, as well as neighboring China and India, "is the strongest tool we have" to prevent further violence and promote change. 
Read full article »
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
