An international team of church representatives has heard direct appeals for support from Burma after a recent 'Living Letters' visit to the country.

Burma's attacks on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association compromise the country’s first elections in 20 years.

Burma's ruling military dictatorship has "strongly rejected" a statement by the Association of Southeast Asian nations condemning the trial of imprisoned pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi, while global outrage builds.