The United States says it is deeply concerned over the arrests in Burma of several pro-democracy leaders.
State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said in a statement Friday the actions further demonstrate the ruling junta's rejection of national reconciliation and its disregard for the well being of the Burmese people.
Mr. Boucher repeated a call for the junta to release pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners immediately.
Authorities in military-ruled Burma have detained several Shan ethnic leaders over the past few days, including Chairman Khun Htun Oo and General Secretary Sai Nyunt Lwin of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy. The reason for the detentions is not known.
Information for this report is provided by Reuters.
