UN envoy says reports of abuse in Myanmar continue

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 5 (Reuters) UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari said today the United Nations was concerned about continuing reports of abuses by security forces in Myanmar where the situation remained tense.

''Of great concern to the United Nations and the international community are the continuing and disturbing reports of abuses being committed by security and non-uniformed elements, particularly at night during curfew, including raids on private homes, beatings, arbitrary arrests, and disappearances,'' Gambari told the UN Security Council.

Gambari also said there were unconfirmed reports that the number of casualties was ''much higher than the dozen people reported killed by the government.

He said the Myanmar government must recognize that what happens there ''can have serious international repercussions.'' He called for the release of all political prisoners there.

REUTERS PDT RAI2119