Thailand's Prime Minister has defended current diplomatic efforts to gain the release of Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Thaksin Shinawatra said the Burmese pro-democracy leader's release must be achieved through peaceful means and not strong pressure.
The statement follows a call from visiting U.S. civil rights advocate Jesse Jackson to increase pressure on Burma.
After talks with Mr. Jackson, the Thai Prime Minister said his government had the same goal as the international community--to gain the release of Aung San Suu Kyi.
But he said they did not agree on how best to achieve this.
The statement follows criticism Thursday from several U.S. lawmakers who say United Nations efforts to improve human rights conditions and achieve democracy in Burma have failed.
A UN envoy is currently wrapping up a visit to Burma to investigate the human rights situation.
Information for this report is provided by AFP.