Myanmar govt says sorry to monks

2012-12-16 14:11

Burnt Buddhist monks receive treatment at a hospital after police fired water cannon and gas during a pre-dawn crackdown on villagers and monks protesting against a Chinese-backed copper mine. (File, J Maung Maung, AFP)

Yangon - Myanmar's government has formally apologised to the country's Buddhist monks for its recent crackdown on protesters at a copper mine that injured more than 100 of their monastic colleagues.

President's Office Minister Hla Tun led other officials on Saturday in apologising to senior and injured monks in the central city of Mandalay.

Police used water cannons, tear gas and smoke bombs on 29 November to break up an occupation of the Letpadaung mine project in north-western Myanmar, a joint venture between the military and a Chinese company. Protesters want the project halted, saying it is causing environmental, social and health problems.

Shin Wirathu, one of those leading the protests, said on Saturday's action satisfied their demands for a formal apology.

- AP