First UN council debate on Burma

The US says Burma's problems are destabilising the region

The UN Security Council has for the first time discussed the situation in Burma, which has been under military rule for more than 40 years.

Members were briefed by a senior UN envoy who recently visited the country.

The US, which requested the discussion, said it intended to submit a resolution on Burma in the near future.

Washington says internal repression and the export of refugees and illegal drugs made it a threat to peace and security. Some other members disagree.

Trading partner

China - a major trading partner of Burma - led the opposition to the motion to hold the debate.

But the US move was supported by nine countries, including the UK, France and Japan. It required only a majority of nine of the 15 members, as it is a procedural matter.

On Friday the council was briefed by UN Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs, Ibrahim Gambari, who visited Burma earlier this year.

The BBC's Chris Morris at UN headquarters says the US is unlikely to act further until Mr Gambari travels there again, possibly in November.

However the Americans want to put the Security Council on notice that this is an issue which they will continue to press, our correspondent says.

He adds that the US draft resolution could include criticism of Burma's human rights record and a demand for the release of the pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Mr Gambari was able to meet her during his last visit earlier this year.