Labour conference splits over Burma

Reports from Geneva say delegates to an international labour conference are split over whether to put pressure on Burma to end its alleged use of forced labour.

The reports say those representing western countries want next week's full meeting of the International Labour Organisation to call on states, international organisations, companies and workers' groups to review their relations with Burma and its military rulers.

But they say Asian countries want to avoid any immediate action, with Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines calling for any decision to be delayed for a year.

Employers' representatives have proposed a middle way, giving Burma until November to respond.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service