Mynamar junta denies Suu Kyi talks on freedom

YANGON, June 11 (Reuters) Myanmar's military rulers did not hold talks with democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi before her house arrest was extended for a year, a senior Information Ministry official said today.

Last week, Information Minister Kyaw Hsan said ''yes'' when asked by Reuters if there had been such discussions before the extension of her latest detention on May 27.

''Your question was just misunderstood. In fact, there was not any discussion between the government officials and her before the house arrest was extended,'' the ministry official told Reuters.

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.

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 and suffered some form of bowel trouble in the last few days.

Police general Khin Yi told reporters Suu Kyi had been ill but ''she was not hospitalised.'' He did not give further details.

REUTERS SHB HS1139