A police chief said today that Burma had been considering releasing pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest this week, but cancelled the decision after an American swam to her house.

Soldiers in Burma opened fire on thousands of anti-government protesters today, killing at least nine people and injuring 11.

Violence erupted for a second day in Burma today with troops pouring rifle fire into crowds of anti-government demonstrators.

Burmese security forces raided two Buddhist monasteries this morning, beating up and hauling away more than 70 monks after a day of violent confrontation, sources said.