MYANMAR: Tens of thousands join Myanmar anti-general march.

Tens of thousands join demonstrations by Buddhist monks against the Myanmar regime. At least 10,000 Buddhist monks, cheered on by thousands of onlookers, began a sixth day of protests in Yangon on Monday (September 24) in what appeared to be growing into the biggest demonstrations yet against Myanmar's ruling generals. The monks started with prayers at the Shwedagon Pagoda, the country's holiest shrine, then marched through the city. Some carried placards demanding better living conditions in the impoverished Southeast Asian nation and calls for national reconciliation. Monday's protests followed similar demonstrations at the weekend. Ordinary people turned out in force and walked alongside the monks. What began as civilian anger at last month's shock fuel price rises is now becoming a more deep-rooted religious movement against the Myanmar regime. The generals, who have ruled the former Burma for 45 years, are due to hold a quarterly summit in their new capital Naypyidaw, carved out of the jungle, perhaps as early as Monday (September 24). Dealing with the protests is sure to top the agenda. ENDS.

ITN Source | September 24, 2007

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