After much behind-the-scenes haggling, the 15-member council -- in its first joint formal action since last month's protests -- said it deplored the crackdown and urged the release of all political prisoners. (AFP)

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is sending the U.N. envoy to Myanmar back to the region next week for consultations with key governments on efforts to promote talks between the junta and the opposition, the U.N. said Thursday. (AP)

A member of detained democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's party has died after torture and interrogation, a rights group said Wednesday, as possible talks between her and the junta failed to develop. (AFP)