European Union and Asian nations are urging Burma's military leaders to release opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and to implement democratic reforms.
More than 40 foreign ministers from European and Asian countries signed a joint declaration Tuesday at the conclusion of Asia-Europe Meeting talks in Hamburg, Germany.
Burma's Foreign Minister Nyan Win attended the meeting. Win defended his government's decision to extend its detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, and he argued that the 61 year old democracy leader's release could fuel political instability.
Aung San Suu Kyi has spent most of the past 17 years in detention of some form. Late last week, Burmese officials extended her house arrest for another year.
Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won a general election in 1990, but military leaders have refused to let the party take office.
Burma's military-led government has promised general elections after a new constitution is drafted, but there is no indication of when that will happen.
Information for this report is provided by AP and Reuters.