Monks in a small town in central Burma have defied the military junta to stage a peaceful march. It is the first public gathering of monks since September's brutal crackdown against the monk-led protests.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner has urged China to use its influence with Burma's military government to help end the political and social turmoil in the Southeast Asian country.

About 100 Buddhist monks marched in central Burma for the first time since the junta's deadly crackdown on anti-government protests last month, witnesses said.

Burma today once again took to the streets in a peaceful protest march, from the Sasana Wihmula Monastery, in Pakokku town in central Burma.

Burmese riot police have taken up positions at holy sites in Rangoon to prevent Buddhist monks from repeating last month's widespread protests against the military government.

UN envoy reaches Beijing,holds meeting with Chinese Leaders to put pressure Burma junta for restoration of democracy and reconciliatory efforts as being the Big brother in the regions.Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said.

State media reported that the meeting was held at Seinle Kantha Guest House and lasted from 2pm to 3.15pm. The guesthouse has previously served as a venue for when Suu Kyi has been allowed to receive foreign diplomats and visitors.

True North Gems, b developing ruby and sapphire in Greenland, can play a role in breaking the dominance of governments such as Myanmar’s, the world’s largest supplier of rubies and sapphire.

Burma's detained opposition leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, has held her first meeting with a newly appointed government liaison minister. It is a sign that the military junta is following through on its promises to the international community to begin talks with the pro-democracy hero.

Women Nobel Peace Prize winners have urged the United Nations to take decisive action to secure the release of detained Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Aid organisations in Burma have welcomed news that the UN special rapporteur, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, will be allowed to visit the country to discuss human rights issues after last month's violent crackdown on protesters.

President Bush is imposing additional sanctions against Burma's government and wants China and India must do more to pressure Burma's military rulers.