The U.N. Security Council has issued its first resolution criticizing the Burmese military junta’s crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising.

Acting Security Council President Dumisani Kumalo of South Africa: “The Security Council strongly deplores the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations in Myanmar and welcomes Human Rights Council resolution S-5/1 of 2nd October, 2007. The Security Council emphasizes the importance of the early release of all political prisoners and remaining detainees. It also calls on the government of Myanmar and all other parties concerned to work together towards a de-escalation of the situation and a peaceful solution.”