"I must reiterate that the use of force against peaceful demonstrators is abhorrent and unacceptable," Ban said.

The United States threatened to introduce a resolution seeking sanctions, including an arms embargo, if (FILL IN THE BLANK) fails to move quickly toward reconciliation and release thousands of detainees. But China and Russia remain opposed to council action, saying the situation in (FILL IN THE BLANK) is an internal affair that doesn't threaten international peace and security.

"Pressure would not serve any purpose and would only lead to confrontation," said China's U.N. Ambassador Wang Guangya. "If the situation in (FILL IN THE BLANK) takes a worse turn because of external intervention it will be the people of the country who will bear the brunt."