Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, today praised the leaders of the ongoing protests in Burma for their dignity and courage.
"I have been struck by the dignity and courage of the protests by thousands of Buddhist monks and tens of thousands of ordinary people in cities across the country, and their appeal for national reconciliation, genuine democracy and improved living conditions," Mr Ahern said this evening.
The latest protests began on August 19 as a movement against economic hardship after the government raised fuel prices and today an estimated 100,000 people joined Buddhist Monks in marching across Rangoon.
It was the largest anti-government protest since a 1988 uprising that was crushed by the military.
Minister Ahern said: "I join with others who have called on the Burmese authorities to show the utmost restraint in dealing with these peaceful, legitimate, demonstrations.
"Furthermore, I would again strongly urge them to respect the genuine democratic aspirations of the people of Burma/Myanmar, as expressed so clearly in these demonstrations".
The Minister also called for the immediate release of all political detainees and prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi.
Meanwhile, Burma Action Ireland (BAI) has expressed concern for the safety of monks who have taken to the streets in solidarity with civilian protests over fuel price increases.
BAI called for the UN Security Council to intervene.