Members of the public are being urged to add their weight to the international condemnation of events in Myanmar (Burma).

Amnesty International Bermuda will today provide postcards of our Island with a message to military leader General Than Shwe, demanding an end to political oppression.

People are encouraged to visit the Veranda of the Public Library between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to send a postcard stating: "We ask for the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi."

Over the past fortnight, up to ten people have been killed in pro-democracy protests in Myanmar, but the real death toll is expected to be much higher. Hundreds of peaceful protesters have been arrested, and Buddhist monks have been beaten or detained in their monasteries. Irene Khan, secretary general of Amnesty International, said: "Amnesty International welcomes the United Nations Security Council's statement of concern about the situation in Myanmar but urges the Council to increase pressure on the government if the mounting human rights crisis in the country is to be reversed and further bloodshed averted.

"The threat to peace and security is rapidly rising as grave human rights violations are mounting.

"It is now up to the Myanmar authorities to respond immediately to the worldwide concern about the deepening human rights crisis in the country."