Sep 28, 2007 (DVB), International outrage is increasing over the Burmese government's brutal crackdown on this week's protests.

A statement was issued yesterday by ASEAN expressing "revulsion" over the use of violent force in suppressing the demonstrations.

"[ASEAN Foreign Ministers] were appalled to receive reports of automatic weapons being used and demanded that the Myanmar government immediately desist from the use of violence against demonstrators," the statement said.

The statement went on to call for national reconciliation efforts and the release of all political detainees.

A new statement was also issued yesterday by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, welcoming Burma's agreement to allow Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari into the country and calling for "constructive dialogue" with Gambari. The Special Envoy left for Burma on Wednesday after briefing the Security Council.

Reporting by DVB