Myanmar confirms Suu Kyi detention extended a year

PA-AN, Myanmar, June 9 (Reuters) Military-ruled Myanmar confirmed today that democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest had been extended for one year.

Police general Khin Yi confirmed the May 27 extension order during a press conference with reporters on a government tour of Karen state.

Information Minister Kyaw Hsan, who also addressed the conference, said there had been talks between Suu Kyi and the junta before her detention was extended.

''Yes, there were,'' Kyaw Hsan said without giving details of the discussions.

A government source said last month a military official had met the Nobel Peace laureate and discussed conditions for her release, presumably restrictions on her freedom of movement.

''As far as we know, the plan to lift her house arrest became abortive when the talks between the regime representative and her failed,'' the source said.

Western governments and rights groups have condemned the extended house arrest of Suu Kyi, who was detained in May 2003 after a clash between her supporters and junta backers.

She has been under some form of detention for 10 of the last 17 years.

REUTERS SHR VV1725