RFE/RL: The leader of Burma’s ruling junta called Russia a “true friend” during a speech marking Armed Forces Day, as security forces in the Southeast Asian country reportedly killed scores of people in the bloodiest day of protests since last month’s coup. The lethal crackdown, which took place on March 27 as Russia’s deputy defense minister visited the country to improve relations, drew swift international condemnation. The United Nations said it had received reports of “scores killed,” including children, in what it described as “shocking violence.” It said there were mass arrests and hundreds were also injured in at least 40 towns and cities. The Assistance Association of Political Prisoners, which documents deaths and arrests, put the number of deaths by late evening at 91, spread over many cities and towns.
