On Saturday, an organization of clergy known as the All Burma Monks Alliance, called for a widening of the protests. “In order to banish the common enemy evil regime from Burmese soil forever, united masses of people need to join hands with the united clergy forces,” the group said in a statement. (Source: New York Times)

Members of the Buddhist Sangha were manhandled and physically abused and some of them were roped and beaten by the authorities in Pakokku.  In response to that incident, monks inside and outside Burma have declared a Pattaneikizana boycott* of the authorities and are initiating nonviolent and peaceful marches.  They are reciting prayers of loving kindness for all and praying for religious freedom and for the SPDC (State Peace and Development Council) regime to resolve the food, clothing, shelter, health, and general problems of the people of Burma. (Source: NCGUB)

"Certainly, we are watching very carefully and the President (George W. Bush) has been very outspoken about what is happening in Burma (Myanmar)," Rice told reporters with her Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi beside her, ahead of their talks on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.