Brown condemns violence in Burma

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Prime Minister Gordon Brown has condemned the violence used against unarmed protesters in Burma.

Burmese soldiers and police have been trying to break up another day of protests, after nine reported deaths in crackdowns on Thursday.

Mr Brown said the Burmese people had been "exercising with great bravery their right to peaceful protest".

His comments come amid solidarity protests across London and mounting calls for the UN to send in troops.

'Oppression must cease'

In a statement, Mr Brown said: "I had hoped that the Burmese regime would heed the calls for restraint from the international community.

"But once again they have responded with oppression and force. This must cease."

He said he was pressing for international action against the junta, including tougher EU sanctions, and said he would speak to Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao and US President George Bush to agree further action.

Meanwhile, hundreds gathered outside the Burmese embassy in London before marching to Downing Street.

Organiser Ko Aung estimated up to 400 people gathered outside the embassy to show their support for the protests in Burma against the military junta.

I am truly disgusted by what is being done to helpless innocent people Virginia McKenna, actress

The event began with a minute's silence for those who had "sacrificed their lives". After, the crowd sang loud revolutionary songs.

Uma Tu, originally from northern Burma, said: "Every single family (in Burma) has been affected by this.

Calling for the United Nations to send in troops was the only solution, he said.

Another protester L Twang called for defiance against the "murderous regime".

British actress Virginia McKenna, who has visited the country, said: ''I am truly disgusted by what is being done to helpless innocent people by leaders who obviously don't really care for them as human beings."

Other protests were taking place outside the Foreign Office and a 24-hour demonstration was being held on Parliament Square.