Key nations say Myanmar must free Suu Kyi

Foreign ministers from key nations are telling Myanmar's military junta that the release of political prisoners including detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is "essential" for upcoming elections to be seen as credible.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said after a closed-door meeting Monday that the ministers reiterated the need for the election process "to be more inclusive, participatory and transparent."

The Nov. 7 elections will be Myanmar's first in two decades but critics say the polls are designed to cement nearly 50 years of military rule.

Suu Kyi's disbanded National League for Democracy party marked what would be its 22nd anniversary Monday under tight surveillance. It was dissolved earlier this year, after deciding to boycott the election.