"Today marks the 60th Anniversary of Burma's independence. We congratulate the people of Burma on this historic landmark.

"But for 45 of the last 60 years Burma has been under military rule. The brutal suppression of peaceful demonstrations last autumn was a sad reminder of the extent to which the Burmese people's aspirations for democracy, stability and prosperity have been frustrated. They deserve far better.

"We call once more upon the Burmese regime to embrace the path of constructive dialogue that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has called for. Only through a process of genuine national reconciliation can a better future for the people of Burma be realised.

"The UK remains committed to international action on Burma. We support the efforts of the UN Secretary General's Special Envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari and we are working closely with our EU partners to bring pressure for change to bear on the regime."