The UN Security Council has expressed 'serious concern' over a sentence imposed this week on Burmese pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
An agreed statement called for the release of all political prisoners in the country - officially known as Myanmar.
On Tuesday, a court in Burma sentenced Ms Suu Kyi, who has spent 14 of the past 20 years in detention, to three years in jail.
The country's military rulers then reduced the sentence to 18 months house arrest at her lakeside home in Rangoon.
Western diplomats said they would have liked a stronger response but were anxious for an agreed version that had the support of China and Russia.
Meanwhile, Thailand said it is asking Southeast Asian nations to back a request to Burma’s ruling leader Than Shwe to pardon Ms Suu Kyi.
'We are seeking a consensus among ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) members to ask for a pardon for Aung San Suu Kyi,' Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya said.
'We want to see her be pardoned first. For other political prisoners, we have demanded their release several times,' he said.
The 10-nation bloc, currently chaired by Thailand, has faced frequent criticism for taking a soft line on Burma.
Ms Suu Kyi's extended house arrest means she will be locked up for elections promised in 2010.
Critics say the polls are a sham aimed at legitimising the junta's rule.
