Obama makes clear his feelings about Myanmar court decision

President Barack Obama has expressed his concern at the decision by a Myanmar court to extend democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's house arrest by another 18 months.

He said the sentence was patently unjust and should be immediately overturned.

He claimed the trial outcome would have a negative impact on the administration's review of policy toward Myanmar.

Up to now, the Obama administration had been considering greater engagement with the military authorities in Myanmar, but officials have said the conviction and sentencing of Aung San Suu Kyi for violating terms of her long-running house arrest will negatively affect the results of the discussions.

The latest case against the democracy leader followed an incident involving an American citizen, John Yettaw, who made an uninvited visit to her home in May.

Mr Yettaw was sentenced at the same time as Ms Suu Kyi to seven years in prison.

President Obama also called the sentencing of Mr Yettaw for the home invasion as being out of proportion with his actions.

The international community is also putting pressure of the Myanmar government to release Aung San Suu Kyi.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called the sentence "monstrous," and said the trial process had been a "sham."

French President Nicolas Sarkozy denounced the court ruling as "unjust and unfair."

Human rights group Amnesty International also condemned the verdict, calling it "shameful."

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has issued a statement to say that unless Aung San Suu Kyi and all other political prisoners are released, the credibility of the Myanmar’s upcoming political process will remain in doubt.