Three killed in Myanmar protests

Western powers condemned the use of force by Myanmar's military rulers against pro-democracy demonstrators yesterday and called urgent consultations in the UN Security Council.

The US and the 27-member EU asked the council to consider sanctions and demanded that the junta in the former Burma open a dialogue with jailed opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and ethnic minorities.

China and Russia, which have friendly relations with the Myanmar authorities, has so far blocked any UN sanctions.

"We condemn all violence against peaceful demonstrators and remind the country's leaders of their personal responsibilities (for) their actions," a joint statement said after the 27 EU foreign ministers met US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. "We call on the Security Council to discuss this situation urgently and to consider further steps including sanctions."

The Security Council called a meeting for 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT) to consult on the growing clashes between security forces and demonstrators, including Buddhist monks.

The UN special envoy for Myanmar, Ibrahim Gambari, was to brief the 15-nation council.

Hospital sources said at least three people, including two monks, were shot dead as security forces fired warning shots and used tear gas and baton charges to try to quell the biggest anti-junta protests in two decades.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said that, in response to the deteriorating situation, he was dispatching Mr Gambari urgently to the region.

He called on Myanmar's leadership to cooperate fully with the mission, but there was no immediate word on whether Mr Gambari would even be admitted to the reclusive country.

The EU-US statement called on China, India and members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to use their influence to press the Myanmar government to open a dialogue with opponents.

The EU and the US already have targeted asset freezes and visa bans on key members of the Myanmar leadership. Ms Ferrero-Waldner said those measures could be expanded to more officials involved in repression.