This was contained in a statement read to reporters here by British UN Ambassador John Sawers, who holds the rotating Security Council presidency for August. The 15-nation Security Council adopted the press statement on the situation of Myanmar after closed-door consultations on Thursday afternoon.

    "The members of the Security Council affirm their commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Myanmar, and in that context, reiterate that the future of Myanmar lies in the hands of all of its people," the press statement said.

    "The members of the Security Council express serious concern at the conviction and sentencing of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi," the statement said.

    "The members of the Security Council note the decision of the government of Myanmar to reduce Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's sentence and urge the government of Myanmar to take further measures to create the necessary conditions for a genuine dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and all concerned parties and ethnic groups in order to achieve an inclusive national reconciliation," the statement said.

    "The members of the Security Council reiterate their support for the good offices role of the secretary-general," the statement added.