Amnesty International on Wednesday said Sri Lanka was unable to provide for the basic needs of 300,000 people trapped inside rebel-held areas and accused Tiger guerrillas of using them as human shields.

The London-based rights watchdog said two thirds of people living in the rebel-controlled northern area of Wanni have been driven out of their homes in the ongoing wave of fighting.

Rights group Amnesty International appealed Wednesday to Sri Lankan authorities to allow aid to reach more than 300,000 displaced people in the violence-hit northern Wanni region.

LONDON, Oct 12, 2007 (AFP) - Amnesty International on Friday welcomed a statement from the UN Security Council slamming the military crackdown in Myanmar, though it added that the council should have taken a stronger line against the south Asian regime.

'Obviously, we wish the Council had spoken out much stronger and had called for the immediate unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other prisoners of conscience,' said Irene Khan, the London-based human rights group's secretary general, in a statement.

LONDON, Oct 9, 2007 (AFP) - Sudan's army is preparing to launch deadly attacks in northern Darfur within weeks, rights group Amnesty International claimed Tuesday, calling for UN troops to be rushed to the area.

It cited reports indicating that the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) were gathering 'in large numbers' in at least six towns in northern Darfur, including Tine, Kornoy, Um Baru and Kutum.

LONDON, Oct 4, 2007 (AFP) - Former Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto said Thursday she was expecting an amnesty from President Pervez Musharraf during the day, a key sticking point blocking talks on a power-sharing deal.

'We're expecting an ordinance today,' she told reporters, using diplomatic language for a decree from Musharraf which would include an amnesty on corruption charges against her.

LONDON, Oct 1, 2007 (AFP) - The human rights group Amnesty International on Monday urged the UN Security Council to impose an immediate arms embargo on Myanmar for its violent crackdown of pro-democracy protestors.

London-based Amnesty said China has been the main source of arms for the Myanmar security forces, followed by India, Serbia, Russia, Ukraine and other countries, and called on them in particular to stop weapons supplies.

BANGKOK, Sept 27, 2007 (AFP) - Hundreds of protesters arrested in Myanmar in a crackdown by security forces are at risk of torture and ill treatment in custody, rights group Amnesty International warned Thursday.

At least 100 Buddhist monks were seized overnight when security forces raided a monastery in Yangon, the country's main city, witnesses reported.

Several hundred others, including several opposition figures and two popular entertainers, have also been detained in the clampdown which followed days of anti-government demonstrations, Amnesty said.

LONDON, Sept 25, 2007 (AFP) - Human rights groups urged the United Nations and allies of Myanmar on Tuesday to take action to prevent the country's military junta from resorting to violence to end peaceful protests.

London-based Amnesty International said the UN Security Council must send a mission to the southeast Asian country to avert possible clashes between demonstrators and the authorities.

LONDON, Sept 25, 2007 (AFP) - The UN Security Council must send a mission to Myanmar immediately to avert possible clashes between demonstrators and the authorities, Amnesty International said Tuesday.

Myanmar's ruling junta slapped a curfew on the country's main city Yangon effective Wednesday and declared the entire city a military 'restricted' area, after days of mass street protests.

The United Nations mission should also seize the chance to discuss civil liberties issues with the military rulers, said the London-based rights group.

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 12, 2007 (AFP) - Angolan police still violate human rights ranging from brutal slum clearance to torture, with no investigation or disciplinary action, Amnesty International said in a report released Wednesday.

The report found that despite a recent inclusion of human rights training in the police curriculum, the abuse of power and failure to bring perpetrators of these violations to justice goes on unhindered.