Obama calls for Suu Kyi's release

SINGAPORE, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama Sunday called for the unconditional release of democratic activist Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest in Myanmar, officials said.

Obama called for the release of Suu Kyi and other political prisoners in Myanmar in a private meeting in Singapore with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said.

The leaders of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, should end their conflict with minority groups and begin a "genuine dialogue" with the democratic opposition, Gibbs quoted Obama as saying.

Myanmar's prime minister was at the meeting but did not meet separately with Obama or officials of his administration, Gibbs told reporters.

The Obama administration would consider engaging in talks in the future if Myanmar indicates it is interested in democratic reform, U.S. officials have said.

Suu Kyi, a Noble peace prize winner, as been under house arrest in Myanmar since 1989 and is rarely allowed visitors, except for medical personnel.