The British government is criticizing Burma's military leaders for what it says is their failure to cooperate with the International Committee of the Red Cross.
A joint statement today from Britain's Department of International Development and Foreign Office voiced its frustration with the Burmese government's continued harassment and obstruction of the ICRC in Burma.
The statement says that obstruction has forced the ICRC to suspend operations in Burma. In March, the Red Cross closed two of its field offices there, saying its humanitarian work in Burma was at "near-paralysis."
On Friday, the ICRC also lashed out at Burma. In a rare departure from its usual diplomatic restraint, the Red Cross denounced Burma's military government and criticized its human rights abuses.
Burma has been ruled by the military since 1962, and has been criticized worldwide for its human rights abuses and refusal to enact democratic reforms.