Oct 17, 2007 (DVB), The 88 Generation Students group has called for "more decisive measures" from the United Nations to counter the Burmese authorities' continued suppression of pro-democracy protestors.

In a letter addressed to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the members of the Security Council, the group welcomed the recent presidential statement adopted by the Council, but claimed that it had had little impact on the military regime.

"While the regime announces to the world that it is willing to meet with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, on the other hand, it is trying to eliminate democracy forces by using violence and arbitrary arrest," the letter said.

The letter draws attention to ill-treatment of detainees and the "climate of fear" created by the government's crackdown.

"Thousands of protestors, including monks and students, continue to suffer ill-treatment and severe torture in detention centres and some have passed away in custody. Many monks in detention are forcibly disrobed and sent to prison labour camps," it reads.

The group calls for the Security Council to adopt a binding resolution on Burma with targeted sanctions, including an investment ban and an arms embargo, and requests the continued presence of UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari in Burma to ensure that genuine dialogue takes place.

The group emphasises the need for repercussions for the military regime if they do not comply with UN demands.

"We seriously stress that lack of an international enforcement action in Burma grants the Burmese military junta a licence to kill," the letter concludes.

Reporting by DVB