US President Barack Obama called on Myanmar's ruling junta to immediately release human rights activist Aung San Suu Kyi, who received an additional 18 months of detainment on Tuesday for allegedly violating the terms of her house arrest, according to dpa. Obama issued a statement saying the conviction and sentencing "unjust" and a violation of human rights. The trial that handed Suu Kyi, 64, another 18 months of house arrest and effectively sidelined her for the upcoming elections has drawn worldwide condemnation, dpa reported. "I join the international community in calling for Aung San Suu Kyi's immediate unconditional release," Obama said. US State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said he was premature to conclude whether the United States will pursue additional sanctions on the UN Security Council. Myanmar's rulers have already been sanctioned by the United States, United Nations and European Union.
