Myanmar's monks ordered to halt nationwide protests

Buddhist monks spearheading the biggest anti-government marches in nearly two decades were ordered to stay out of politics Tuesday as Myanmar's military rulers admitted via official media that protests have spread across the country.

Following a monk-led protest march by as many as 100,000 the previous day, authorities in cars cruised Yangon's streets Tuesday, announcing that the clergy have been directed not to take part in "secular affairs" and saying that certain elements were trying to instigate unrest in the country. (AP)