The United States has announced sanctions against 14 senior Myanmar officials, including its defence minister, commander of the army and the acting prime minister and called on India, China and other nations to support the people of Myanmar who were struggling for democracy.

The US action followed the killing of 11 pro-democracy demonstrators in Myanmar.

The US Treasury Department said all assets of these individuals within the jurisdiction of the United States are frozen and all Americans are prohibited from doing business with them.

Earlier, State Department Spokesman Tom Casey urged China, India, the Association of South East Asian Nations and others in the region to use their influence in support of the people of Myanmar.

He also called on the authorities to stop violence and to open a process of dialogue with pro-democracy leaders, including Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of ethnic minorities.

White House Spokeswoman Dana Perino read out a statement from President Bush, in which he said, "I urge the Burmese soldiers and police not to use force on their fellow citizens."

President Bush who met Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi in Washington on Thursday urged China to use its influence to help bring about a peaceful transition to democracy in Myanmar.

China is the Myanmar government's biggest supporter.

Bush, however, thanked China for helping to convince Myanmar to accept a visit by UN special envoy Ibrahim Gambari on Friday.

The White House says Gambari must be allowed full access to all relevant parties including religious leaders, detainees and pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Nobel Peace Prize Laureate has been under house arrest for 12 of the last 18 years.