BEIJING - ASIAN and European leaders urged Myanmar's ruling junta on Saturday to release detained politicians and lift restrictions on political parties.

'Leaders...encouraged the Myanmar government to engage all stakeholders in an inclusive political process in order to achieve national reconciliation and economic and social development,' they said in a joint statement following a two-day summit here.

'In this regard, they called for the lifting of restrictions placed on political parties and early further release of those under detention.' -- AFP