US backs ASEAN Burma statement on rights
Updated
United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has urged Southeast Asian nations to put more pressure on Burma's junta to improve human rights and adopt democratic reforms.
Speaking after meeting Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers, Dr Rice said ASEAN especially needs to push Burma to release political prisoners, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.
ASEAN foreign ministers expressed "deep disappointment" in a statement on Sunday that the ruling generals had extended Ms Suu Kyi's house arrest.
Diplomats say it was the first time ASEAN had specifically mentioned Ms Suu Kyi in one of its communiques.
Dr Rice says the best way for ASEAN to become stronger is to expand democracy and the rule of law among its members.
