The UN Security Council late Thursday strongly condemned the use of violence against peaceful protesters in Myanmar and the deaths of hundreds of civilians, but dropped the threat of possible future action against the military following the February 1 coup. The British-drafted press statement approved by all 15 council members after intense negotiations that began Wednesday expressed deep concern at the rapidly deteriorating situation in Myanmar and reiterated the council's call on the military to exercise utmost restraint. The original draft was much stronger and would have expressed the Security Council's readiness to consider further steps, which could include sanctions. It would also have deplored the use of violence against peaceful protesters and condemned in the strongest terms the killing of hundreds of civilians by the security forces.