Dublin protest in favour of Burmese

A peaceful protest will be held in Dublin’s O’Connell Street today in solidarity with the people of Burma.

Its purpose is to show Ireland’s support for the Burmese and to maintain international pressure on Burma’s military to end violence and start a process of national reconciliation.

Thousands of civilians, led by the Buddhist monks, have taken part in peaceful demonstrations in the Asian country this week demanding improved living conditions.

Protests on this scale have not been seen since the nationwide demonstrations in 1988, which were violently suppressed by the authorities with the killing of around 3,000 people.

At least 13 people have been killed over the past number of days, according to state media in Burma.

But it is feared the actual death toll may be higher.

The protest will begin at 2pm and run until 4pm.

Campaigners will be asked to sign a petition calling on the Chinese President Hu Jintao to compel Burma to engage in a process of valid national reconciliation.

Similar demonstrations will be taking place organised by other European Burma solidarity groups across the continent.