United Nations: UN chief Ban Ki-moon joined an international outcry as Myanmar rulers extended the house arrest of democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, vowing to work to get her and other political detainees released.

"I regret the decision of the government of Myanmar to extend for a sixth consecutive year the detention under house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi," the UN secretary general told reporters yesterday on his return from a visit to cyclone-hit Myanmar.

"The sooner restrictions on Aung San Suu Kyi and other political figures are lifted, the sooner Myanmar will be able to move toward inclusive national reconciliation, restoration of democracy and full respect for human rights," he added.

He vowed to do his utmost to get Aung San Suu Kyi and other detainees released.

Earlier US President George W Bush also said in a statement that he was "deeply troubled" by Aung San Suu Kyi's extended detention.

Strong reaction also came from the European Union and Britain. Singapore, current chair of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which includes Myanmar, expressed disappointment.

Myanmar officials yesterday went to the lakeside Yangon home that has been Aung San Suu Kyi's prison for most of the last 18 years and delivered the news of her prolonged detention during a 10-minute meeting, a state official said.

"Her detention was extended by one year," the official told AFP.

Ban also told reporters that he expected his special envoy Ibrahim Gambari "to continue on my behalf the process of political dialogue that he has begun" with both Myanmar authorities and Aung San Suu Kyi.

Source : PTI