Many Burmese felt the country's thuggish junta crossed a line last September, when its soldiers opened fire on monks leading protests against its rule including some beside the Sule pagoda.

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One diplomat told CNN that a Western witness had reported seeing about 35 bodies lying in rows on a street near Sule Pagoda, with civilians praying over them.

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With its prime location on Sule Pagoda Road, the most expensive street in Rangoon, Sakura Tower is the oldest and among the highest-priced office blocks in the city.

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