Suu Kyi's release may not come soon

MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Friday indicated the release of Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest may not come soon.

Speaking in the Philippines at a forum organized by ABS-CBN news channel, Clinton expressed doubt the military-led Myanmar government would make a ''significant announcement" at the meeting between U.S. President Barack Obama and leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Sunday in Singapore, Kyodo News reported.

"I think this is a long term effort that requires a lot of patience," she said.

Myanmar, formerly called Burma, is a member of the ASEAN.

Clinton urged Myanmar military leaders to engage in a dialogue at home to bring together all opposition leaders and ethnic minorities to ensure fair and credible elections next year, the report said.

Clinton referred to the new U.S. policy of engaging Myanmar but added "we want to send a clear message that until there are changes inside we're not going to be able … provide the kind of benefits that the U.S. can provide, like investments and trade," Kyodo said.

The Singapore Straits Times, quoting a U.S. administration official, reported Obama will make a personal plea for the release of Suu Kyi at his summit with ASEAN leaders.

"I think he will. That will be in the context of all political prisoners. Of course, she is the most prominent among them. He will probably mention her by name," the official was quoted as saying.