The UN envoy for Burma is due to begin a diplomatic tour in Asia to try to find a solution to the crisis, while the record of the junta's repression passed the 600 dead mark on Friday April 9.

Christine Schraner Burgener's tour comes amid growing international concern over the situation in Burma, rocked by daily protests since the February 1 coup that overthrew the civilian government of Aung San Suu Kyi .

The diplomat is expected these days in Thailand, then she is expected to visit China, a traditional ally of the Burmese army.

Details of his trip are not yet known.

Contact only in writing

Discussions are underway for a visit to other member countries of the Asean regional association and states in the region.

"As she has repeatedly emphasized, a strong international response to the current crisis in Burma requires a unified regional effort involving neighboring countries, which can exert influence on Burma's stability," the spokesperson said. .

An Asean summit is in principle scheduled for the end of the month on Burma.

The UN envoy has been calling for a meeting with the generals since February 1, but she has not received permission to go to Burma.

With the support of the Security Council, she also wishes to meet with detained civilian leaders, including President Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi.

"It is obviously ready to resume dialogue with the military to help Burma return to the democratic path, to peace and stability," UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Thursday.

Asked if contact was broken, he replied that he was continuing in writing but that there had been no phone interview for weeks.

New clashes on Friday

At least 614 civilians were killed by security forces during the protests, according to the Association for Assistance to Political Prisoners (AAPP).

But the toll could be heavier: more than 2,800 people have been arrested.

Many, without access to their relatives or a lawyer, are missing.

Blood spilled again on Friday morning.

Relief said at least four people were killed when security forces destroyed barricades of protesters in the town of Bago (also known as Pégou), about 65 km northeast of Yangon.

With AFP

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