Burma 'still hunting protesters'

Authorities in Burma are continuing to seek and detain those who took part in last month's anti-government protests, the government has announced.

According to a statement in an official newspaper, almost 3,000 people have been detained since the government began its crackdown on protesters.

Some 500 people remain in custody and "some are still being called in", the statement said.

On Monday, a UN envoy called reports of new arrests "extremely disturbing".

Burma's military leaders have faced mounting international criticism since troops use force to end days of protests.

The government says 10 people died, but diplomats fear the figure is far higher and there is also concern for the hundreds thought to remain in detention.

'Being interrogated'

The statement from the ruling junta was carried on the front page of The New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

"Those who led, got involved in and supported the unrest which broke out in September were called in and are being interrogated," it said.

"Some are still being called in for questioning and those who should be released will be."

A total of 2,927 people had been detained and nearly 500 were still being held, it said.

The number of arrests is an increase of almost 800 since the government's last official figures on 8 October.

Those released had been required to sign "pledges". The statement did not explain what these were, but some reports suggest they were a promise not to participate in further protests.

On Tuesday the Red Cross said it was appealing to Burma for access to the detainees, but said it had yet to establish a meaningful dialogue with the country's leaders.

International divisions

International pressure has been mounting on Burma in the wake of the crackdown.

The UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari is visiting Burma's neighbours and key trading allies for talks before a planned return there later this month.

Both the EU and the US have increased their sanctions on Burma, and the US said earlier this week that it was considering further measures. Japan has cut a portion of its aid.

But trading allies China and India have taken no such steps, and on Tuesday Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said there would be no threat of sanctions or suspension from the Association of South East Nations (Asean).

Burma's leaders, for their part, appear to remain defiant.

In a statement on Tuesday they ruled out a change of political course and questioned the need for UN involvement, saying that events in Burma did not threaten the region.