UN Security Council ambassadors last night failed to agree a statement deploring Burma's crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators.
Although much watered-down from a Western-drafted original, the statement calling for dialogue between the country's military rulers and the opposition would mark the first action on Burma by the council, which includes China.
China, backed by Russia, fears too strong a statement would push the Burmese junta further into isolation after worldwide condemnation of its suppression and jailing of pro-democracy demonstrators, including Buddhist monks.
It also fears the council would be delving into a country's internal affairs instead of concentrating on preserving international peace and security.
The latest, and third, version of the statement first circulated last week by the United States, Britain and France said the council "strongly deplores the use of violence against peaceful demonstrations in Burma".
But the 15 council envoys could not agree on how to word a sentence about the release of political prisoners and included two versions in square brackets.
Western diplomats said they hoped the statement could be issued today if they could resolve the disputed phrase.