Myanmar's rulers extend Suu Kyi's detention by another year

Bangkok, May 27 (UNI) Myanmar's military rulers have extended the house arrest of pro-democracy campaigner and Nobel Peace Laureate Aun San Suu Kyi by another year despite an appeal yesterday by the UN Secretary General.

Expressing disappointment at the extension of Ms Suu Kyi's detention, Thailand's caretaker Foreign Minister Kantathi Suphamongkhon today said Thailand would co-operate with the international community to work for her release and bring democracy to Myanmar.

The issue would be discussed at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) ministerial meeting in Malaysia tomorrow, he added.

Suu Kyi has been under house arrest since May 2003 and her detention, reviewed annually, was due to expire today.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, on a day's visit to Thailand yesterday issued a statement urging the Myanmarese government to end Ms Suu Kyi's incarceration to speed the national reconciliation process in Myanmar.

UNI XC KD VC1415