(BBC) Burma's closest ally, China, has made its most strident call yet for the military regime to end a violent crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.
After talks by telephone with his UK counterpart Gordon Brown, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said Beijing hoped peace would return to Burma quickly.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana urged China to lean harder on Burma.
The remarks came as UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari was in Burma hoping to hold talks with the military rulers.
In a statement, Mr Wen said China wanted a peaceful resolution to the situation in Burma.
" China hopes all parties concerned in [ Burma] show restraint, resume stability through peaceful means as soon as possible, promote domestic reconciliation and achieve democracy and development."