Myanmar opposition leader fears more loss of life

OTTAWA (Reuters) - A Myanmar opposition leader said on Wednesday he feared more people will die in anti-government protests in the Asian country and urged China to do more to broker a peaceful resolution.

Two monks and a civilian were killed in Myanmar's main city, Yangon, on Wednesday, hospital and monastery sources said, as crowds ignored attempts by the military to restore order.

"It is not a good sign. The confrontation has already started," said Sein Win, who heads a self-proclaimed government-in-exile.

"The military is starting to use force and force will not solve our problems and we are very much concerned about more loss of lives," he told the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. from Paris.

Win, who was due to meet French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Wednesday, said moves by various nations and organizations to impose sanctions on the former Burma were useful.

He also said he was pressing China -- the closest the junta has to a friend -- to take more of an active role. Beijing has so far declined to publicly pressure Myanmar's rulers.

"Persuading China to be more active in solving Burma's problems is always what we are urging. And China should be on board for any international effort, through the United Nations or through other forums," Win said.