AFP

France on Monday slammed "blind and deadly" violence in Myanmar where the ruling junta's ruthless crackdown left more than 100 people dead Saturday, the deadliest weekend since the military coup.

"The security forces in Myanmar have reached a new stage in blind and deadly violence... and have again used arms against the population, killing more than 100, including very young children," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement.

"While sanctions have already been decided with our European and international partners... I call on all Myanmar forces to break the deadlock into which they are leading their country, put an end to the violence, release unconditionally and immediately all political prisoners, and resume the path of dialogue," Le Drian said.

The armed forces "have undermined, on the very day of the Armed Forces Day, their raison d'etre, which is to protect populations," Le Drian continued.

"Since then, the death toll has risen even higher and Myanmar is sinking ever deeper into tragedy."

He said that France would not let up in its efforts with its European and international partners to "support the legitimate aspirations of the people of Myanmar".

© AFP