The United States has joined the United Nations and European Union in calling for an end to the military crackdown in Burma, where the head of the political opposition was taken into custody on Friday.
President Bush said Monday he is "deeply concerned" and in a statement issued from Egypt where he is traveling, demanded the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other pro-democracy leaders being held.
Mr. Bush also expressed concern about reports that military authorities have closed down opposition headquarters in Rangoon.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan also called for the release of Ms. Suu Kyi.
A spokesman for Mr. Annan quoted him as saying the Burmese government is ignoring the will of the people, who are in his words "overwhelmingly in favor of a change" of government.
UN special envoy to Burma, Razali Ismail, is expected to meet with both government officials and opposition leaders when he travels to Burma on Friday to discuss national reconciliation.
Meanwhile, EU officials are also demanding Aung San Suu Kyi's release and that the government cooperate with Mr. Ismail during his visit.
Burma closed its universities on Monday, after seizing Aung San Suu Kyi and a number of colleagues Friday. Burmese opposition media says she may have been hit in the head and injured before she was taken into custody. There is no official word on her condition.
Earlier Monday a U.S. State Department spokesman condemned the arrests and called on the Burmese military to immediately release all those in custody. The spokesman said the recent actions in Burma are not consistent with the will and rights of the Burmese people.