Oct 12, 2007 (DVB), The United Nations Security Council has adopted a presidential statement on Burma, calling for cooperation between the Burmese government and all other parties to defuse the current situation and find a peaceful solution.

The non-binding statement was agreed upon yesterday after lengthy discussions in which China and Russia sought to moderate the terms of the draft versions.

In the finalised statement, the Council "strongly deplores the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations in Myanmar" and "emphasizes the importance of the early release of all political prisoners and remaining detainees".

The statement also welcomed the appointment of liaison officer Aung Kyi, who will facilitate dialogue between the military regime and detained National League for Democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. However, it also stressed the need for public commitments made by the Burmese government to be followed up with action.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has asked UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari to return to the region this weekend for further discussions with regional partners in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China and Japan. Following these consultations, Mr Gambari plans to return to Burma.

Reporting by DVB