The United States has welcomed a UN Security Council briefing on Burma's human rights record.
In a news release Friday, the U.S. State Department said it views continued UN involvement as essential to putting Burma on a path towards democracy and greater prosperity and stability.
The State Department reiterated calls on the military regime to release opposition leaders Aung San Suu Kyi, U Tin Oo, Hkun Htun Oo and all other political prisoners.
Vaclav Havel, former president of the Czech Republic, and Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, have also expressed their appreciation Friday for the groundbreaking discussion on Burma.
U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said after the briefing that progress had been made in persuading several reluctant Council members to place Burma on the permanent agenda.