UN human rights council on Myanmar, Ethiopia, China

The U.N.'s top human rights body opened its latest session on Monday and was immediately embroiled in a debate over the representation of Myanmar, where a military takeover toppled the civilian government in February.

Western countries said two planned debates about the human rights situation in Myanmar during the Human Rights Council's 3-1/2 week session should go forward, even without the country represented.

But China, the Philippines and Venezuela insisted it should be on hand.

The showdown delayed the opening statement to the council from the U.N. human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, who aired concerns about human rights in places like China, Mexico, Russia, Sri Lanka and Ethiopia's Tigray region.

She said she hoped to address Myanmar and other rights issues in places like Ukraine, Nicaragua and Iran later during the session.