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Aung San Suu Kyi, the iconic face of democracy in Burma (Myanmar), was placed under house arrest in 1989.
(CNN) President Obama on Sunday called for the release of Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners.
"There are clear steps that must be taken: the unconditional release of all political prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi; an end to conflicts with minority groups; and a genuine dialogue between the government, the democratic opposition and minority groups," according to Obama, who said the regime should work to ensure its people's needs are met.
He spoke during a meeting with ASEAN-10 leaders that included the prime minister of Myanmar. Obama is the first U.S. president to take part in a summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations economic alliance. The formal meeting was held Sunday.
That 10-nation alliance includes Myanmar, which the United States and other nations have accused of human rights abuses.
U.S. officials were careful to avoid any perception that Obama's presence at the ASEAN meeting would amount to a bilateral discussion with the prime minister of Myanmar.
After years of refusing direct talks with Myanmar, also known as Burma, the United States has indicated a possible re-engagement with the military regime it considers repressive for cracking down on political opposition, including the National League for Democracy.
The league is led by Suu Kyi, a detained Nobel Peace Prize winner.
